The Karnataka Cattle Trespass Act, 1966

The Karnataka Cattle Trespass Act, 1966

General196634 sections7 chapters

This law governs the management of stray or trespassing livestock across the state of Karnataka. It applies to livestock owners, landowners, local authorities, public officers, and law enforcement. The legislation establishes official animal pounds, outlines the duties of pound-keepers, and sets procedures for impounding, feeding, releasing, or auctioning animals that stray onto public spaces or private property causing damage. It matters because it protects agricultural crops, public infrastructure, and private property from livestock damage, while providing fair processes, fine structures, and dispute resolution mechanisms for animal owners to reclaim their livestock or challenge illegal seizures.

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2Definitions .- In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires ,-

Chapter II POUNDS AND POUND-KEEPERS →

  1. 3Establishment of pounds
  2. 4Control of pounds and charge for feeding and watering cattle
  3. 5Appointment of pound-keepers
  4. 6Duties of pound-keepers

Chapter III IMPOUNDING CATTLE →

  1. 7Seizure of cattle damaging land
  2. 8Cattle damaging public roads, canals, embankments, etc
  3. 9Police to aid seizures
  4. 10Fines for cattle impounded
  5. 11District Magistrate, in the manner prescribed.

Chapter IV DELIVERY OR SALE OF CATTLE →

  1. 12Procedure when owner claims the cattle and pays fines and charges
  2. 13Security in respect of impounded cattle
  3. 14Removal of cattle to specified places
  4. 15Procedure if cattle be not claimed within seven days
  5. 16Delivery to owner disputing legality of seizure but making deposit
  6. 17Procedure when owner refuses or omits to pay the fines and charges .- (1)
  7. 18Disposal of fines, expenses and surplus proceeds of sale
  8. 19Officers and pound-keepers not to purchase cattle at sales under the Act .-

Chapter V COMPLAINTS OF ILLEGAL SEIZURE OR DETENTION →

  1. 20Power to make complaints
  2. 21Procedure on Complaint
  3. 22Compensation for illegal seizure
  4. 23Recovery of compensation

Chapter VI PENALTIES →

  1. 24Penalty for forcibly opposing the seizure of cattle or rescuing the same
  2. 25Penalty for damage caused to land or crops or public roads by cattle
  3. 26Recovery of penalty for mischief committed by causing cattle to trespass
  4. 27Penalty on pound-keeper failing to perform duties
  5. 28Application of fines recovered under section 25, 26 or 27

Chapter VII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 29Saving of right to sue for compensation
  2. 30Power of State Government to authorise local authorities to exercise powers under the Act
  3. 31Power to make rules
  4. 32Notifications and rules to be laid before State Legislature
  5. 33Repeal and savings

PDF: pending for this language.