SC warns states of 'heavy' fine for every stray dog bite, death

The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that it may impose “heavy compensation” on states for every dog bite and every death caused by stray dogs, while also holding dog feeders accountable for attacks that result in serious or “lifelong” consequences.

- Utkarsh Anand

Questioning why stray dogs should be allowed to roam freely in all areas, the court remarked that those feeding them should instead take responsibility by keeping the animals within their homes or premises.

A bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria also reproached states and Union territories (UTs) for failing to implement existing statutory rules, observing that decades of inaction had caused the stray dog problem to multiply “a thousand times, a zillion times”.

"For every dog bite, for every death, we are likely to fix heavy compensation to be paid by states for not making requisite arrangements and not doing anything. And we will also fix liability on dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them. Why should they be allowed everywhere...roam around, loitering, frightening people, biting and chasing? Remember that the impact of a dog bite is lifelong,” observed the bench during the hearing.

The court further posed a pointed question on accountability, asking who should bear responsibility when children and old people are attacked by dogs being fed by organised groups or institutions. “Who should be made responsible when a nine-year-old child is killed by dogs who are fed by a particular organisation? Should the organisation not be made liable for damages?” the bench asked.

The observations came on the fourth day of hearings in the court's ongoing proceedings on stray dog management, which stem from concerns over rising dog bite incidents and persistent noncompliance by municipal authorities with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The bench said it would continue hearing the matter on January 15.