A serious case of alleged animal cruelty has emerged from Uttarakhand's Almora district, where around 145 cows and calves were found in two unregistered cowsheds operated in Ratkhal village under the name of Maa Dunagiri Goraksha Mission Trust.

Officials said more than 10 cattle have reportedly died due to lack of fodder and poor management, while several others were found in critical condition. The cowsheds were allegedly being run on private farmland without official registration.

The issue came to light after reports surfaced that dead cattle had been dumped in open areas and buried near the Gagas River. Acting on the complaints, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate ordered a joint inspection by the revenue department, police and veterinary officials.

Inspection teams found severely malnourished cattle, unhygienic conditions and an acute shortage of fodder. Officials said the shelters had not been verified by the authorities, and no official records of the trust were available.

Veterinary officers have begun tagging the surviving cattle, while the district administration has ordered a detailed investigation. Authorities said action will be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry is completed.