How have cow slaughter bans in some Indian states contributed to the number of stray cattle?

In many Indian states, the legal prohibition of cow slaughter has significantly contributed to an increase in the number of stray cattle.12

Because these animals cannot be slaughtered for meat, farmers and owners often face a dilemma when cattle reach the end of their productive lives or are no longer useful for milk or draft power. Rather than maintaining animals that are no longer economically viable, owners may choose to abandon them.2

While some of these unwanted animals are sent to gaushalas—shelters for aged or homeless cattle maintained by charitable contributions—many others are simply allowed to roam freely. These stray cattle often compete with humans for limited vegetal resources, creating ongoing challenges for agricultural management and local communities.23