- The Washington Times - Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Police in Katmandu, the Nepal capital, say cows may be sacred, but enough is enough: They’re blocking too much traffic and have to go.

“The stray cows and oxen have been a big nuisance in Katmandu streets,” said a police spokesman, Pawan Giri, in an Agence France-Press report. “They not only cause accidents, but also make the streets untidy.”

The beasts are a health and safety hazard, the spokesman continued.

“We see traffic jams because the drivers who try to avoid the cows often crash into other vehicles,” Mr. Giri said to AFP.

Cow owners now will be fined $60 for letting their animals roam free, AFP reports.

Hindus believe cows are incarnations of the goddess of prosperity, Laxmi. They’re considered sacred and are generally allowed to roam freely throughout Nepal, AFP reports.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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