The Supreme Court warns states of heavy compensation for every dog bite death, hinting at accountability for both governments and dog feeders. With decades of inaction under scrutiny, how far will India go to control the stray dog menace?
SC holds states accountable, warns of heavy penalties
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a stern warning to state governments over the growing menace of stray dog attacks, stating that heavy compensation will be imposed on states for every death caused by dog bites. The observation came during a hearing on petitions related to the management of street dogs across the country.
A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria expressed serious concern over the failure of authorities to control the situation, calling it a long-standing issue that has worsened due to poor governance.
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The bench strongly criticised both the Union and state governments for their inability to effectively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which are meant to regulate the stray dog population.
“The problem has multiplied many times because of complete failure on the part of governments. This issue has been discussed for decades, yet nothing has changed,” the court observed. The judges warned that governments would be held directly responsible for deaths caused by dog attacks due to inadequate preventive measures
Justice Vikram Nath said individuals who feed stray dogs may also face accountability if their actions contribute to public safety risks. The court remarked that the matter had turned into a public debate rather than a legal proceeding and stressed the need for strict enforcement of statutory provisions.
“For every dog bite and every death, we may fix heavy compensation on the states for failing to make proper arrangements. Liability may also extend to dog feeders,” the bench said.
The Supreme Court indicated that it may spend extended time reviewing whether the Union and state governments have a clear action plan in place. The bench said it was not seeking new policies, but strict implementation of existing laws. “We want to see if there is any real plan on the ground. If not, governments will be taken to task,” the judges noted.
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The court’s remarks came after advocate Menaka Guruswamy described the stray dog issue as an “emotional matter.” The bench, however, pushed back, pointing out that several videos show stray dogs attacking children and elderly citizens, calling some arguments presented before it “far from reality.”
The court also declined to examine allegations of harassment of women dog feeders by so-called anti-feeder vigilantes, stating that such issues fall under law and order and should be addressed by filing FIRs. It similarly refused to entertain claims regarding derogatory remarks made during the debate.
The case continues as the court weighs stronger enforcement measures to address the escalating public safety concern posed by stray dog attacks.
