Cow Protects Newborn Calf From Stray Dogs Near Khopoli Railway Station

A newborn calf was rescued by animal welfare volunteers and police after facing danger from a pack of stray dogs moments after its birth near a temple close to Khopoli railway station on the night of August 30.

The incident took place when a stray cow gave birth in the vicinity of the temple. The calf was unable to stand properly and still had its umbilical cord attached. The smell of blood attracted stray dogs, which began surrounding the vulnerable newborn.

Despite being weakened from labour, the mother cow stood guard and repeatedly positioned herself between the pack and her calf to fend off the dogs.

Local residents noticed the situation and alerted Sunil Puri, an animal activist with the HELP Foundation. Puri gathered other volunteers and reached the location. The team also dialled the 112 police helpline, prompting beat marshals from Khopoli police station to arrive at the scene under the direction of Police Inspector Sachin Hire.

Rescuers initially intended to shift both animals to a farmhouse using Yogesh Auti's vehicle. However, the cow refused to leave the spot. Respecting her behaviour, the team transported only the calf to Auti's farmhouse for overnight shelter and observation.

The calf was reunited with its mother the following morning, and both animals are now safe.