Cow Therapy’ Introduced in Tihar Jail: What Is the Delhi Government Aiming For

‘?

A unique initiative has begun inside Delhi’s Tihar Jail, where a newly inaugurated cowshed is set to offer more than just shelter to stray cattle. The project aims to provide inmates with emotional support, reduce loneliness, and help them reconnect with society through what officials are calling “cow therapy.”

A New Beginning Inside Tihar Jail

On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood jointly inaugurated the cowshed within the Tihar premises. Currently, 10 cows have been accommodated—some donated, some purchased—with the structure capable of housing up to 20 animals.

According to officials, the Delhi government has recently approved this plan. Inmates, especially those from rural backgrounds, will be involved in activities such as feeding and caring for the cows. Authorities believe this hands-on interaction can have a calming and rehabilitative effect on prisoners.

Thousands of Complaints Over Stray Animals

Home Minister Ashish Sood revealed that between January 1 and January 19, Delhi Police received nearly 25,000 complaints related to stray and abandoned animals. Presently, the city’s cowsheds can accommodate 19,800 animals, yet they are already housing more than 21,800.

“In such a situation, even a small start inside Tihar Jail is a visionary move,” Sood said.

What Is ‘Cow Therapy’?

Describing the initiative as a form of cow therapy, Sood said the program can emotionally benefit inmates grappling with loneliness and isolation. Interaction with animals, especially cows, is known to reduce stress and promote calmness, making it a promising psychological tool.

Sood added that he had proposed building a state-of-the-art cowshed inside Tihar with government funding and a structured care system for the animals. “This initiative will strengthen our efforts to provide shelter and proper care for a large number of stray animals,” he said.

Alongside the cowshed, Tihar Jail has also introduced new systems to enhance online sales of jail-made products and streamline collaborations with NGOs.

This initiative marks a holistic approach—supporting animal welfare while exploring innovative methods to aid inmate rehabilitation.