Dog Attacks to Attract Heavy Fines; Supreme Court Questions Accountability of Dog Owners

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has made a stern statement regarding stray dog attacks, emphasizing accountability and raising questions about the responsibility of dog lovers and related organizations.

During a hearing on incidents involving stray dogs, the bench asked pointedly: when children or elderly citizens are killed or injured by stray dogs, who should be held responsible? The court cited the tragic death of a 9-year-old child attacked by stray dogs fed by a dog lovers’ organization, questioning whether such negligence can be ignored.

Strict Accountability Framework in the Works

The bench highlighted the apparent disparity in public and institutional response, asking if empathy is shown only toward dogs while similar urgency is not extended to human victims. The Supreme Court indicated that it is considering a strict framework to ensure accountability, which would hold dog owners, organizations, and even the state responsible for incidents resulting in injury or death caused by dogs.

Heavy Compensation to Be Imposed

The court stated that the state will have to pay substantial compensation in cases of fatalities or injuries caused by dog bites. Dog owners and associated organizations will also be legally accountable under this framework.

Feeding Dogs Only Within Private Premises

The bench further advised that if individuals wish to feed or care for dogs, they should do so within their private premises or compounds, rather than allowing them to roam freely and potentially endanger the public. The court questioned why dogs should be permitted to create public hazards outside private spaces.

Caution on Media and Evidence

The Supreme Court also reminded that during previous hearings, it had refrained from watching videos depicting cruelty toward dogs. The bench warned that serious questions will be raised about the responsibilities of both the central and state governments, particularly in cases where videos or reports show attacks on children or the elderly.

This ruling signals a tough stance by the judiciary on managing stray dogs while ensuring public safety, balancing animal welfare with human life and safety concerns.