What to do when a cow is injured on the road
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026
Cattle are large and strong. An injured cow can kick or stand up suddenly, so never try to lift or move it alone.
What to do
- Warn oncoming traffic with hazard lights, a torch or a bright cloth, from a safe place.
- Keep a safe distance, at least two metres from the legs and head.
- Call a local animal helpline or the municipal cattle team and share the exact location.
- If it is hot, offer water in a bucket and give shade if you can do so safely.
What not to do
- Do not try to drag or lift the animal.
- Do not let a crowd gather around it. Noise makes it more stressed.
- Do not give food or medicine before a vet has seen it.
Next steps
Stay nearby until the rescue team arrives so you can guide them to the spot. Report it here so local volunteers can see it too.
This guide is general safety advice, not veterinary treatment. Always contact a vet or an animal helpline as soon as you can.
For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.
Other guides
- How to help an injured dog or cat
- How to help an injured or fallen bird
- How to help an animal suffering from heatstroke
How to report an animal that needs help
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Step 1: Open the report form
Choose “Report an animal”. You do not need an account, and it takes about a minute.
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Step 2: Add 1 to 3 photos
A clear photo helps rescuers find the animal. Location data inside the photo is removed.
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Step 3: Add the location
Use your current location, or type an address or landmark such as a bus stand or main road. Do not enter your home address.
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Step 4: Describe what you saw
Choose the animal and how urgent it is, and write one line of up to 140 characters. Your name, mobile and email are optional and are seen only by helpers who accept the case and our team.
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Step 5: Save your tracking link
After sending, you get a reference number and a private tracking link. Anyone with the link can see the case, so share it only with people you trust.
Safety tips
- Volunteers on this platform are not a government service. In an emergency, also call a local animal helpline.
- For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.
What happens next
- Nearby rescuers and volunteers can see your report straight away.
- When someone accepts the case, it shows on your tracking page. If you add your email and later sign up with it, you can save the report to your account.