Supreme Court Rules on Liability for Stray Dog Bites: States and Caretakers Can Be Held Responsible

New Delhi, January 13:
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark statement regarding incidents involving stray dog attacks, emphasizing that state governments and individuals who feed or care for stray dogs can be held accountable for injuries or deaths caused by these animals.

States to Face Compensation Liability

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of laws governing stray animals over the past five years. The court stated that victims of dog bites, especially children and the elderly, should receive substantial compensation from state governments due to this negligence.

Justice Nath remarked, “For every case of injury or death caused by dog bites, we will demand significant compensation from the state governments, as they have failed to implement relevant rules over the past five years.”

Responsibility of Dog Lovers and Feeders

The bench also highlighted the accountability of individuals who feed stray dogs. Justice Mehta observed, “If you love these animals so much, why not keep them at home? Why allow them to roam freely, bite people, and create fear?” The court made it clear that both state authorities and citizens who maintain stray dogs can be considered legally responsible for harm caused.

Background of the Case

The hearing stems from petitions seeking amendments to the Supreme Court’s November 7, 2025 order, which directed authorities to remove stray animals from public spaces and streets. During proceedings, the court noted incidents such as a lawyer being bitten by a dog in a Gujarat park, and the subsequent clash between municipal officials and lawyers identifying themselves as dog lovers.

The bench expressed frustration at delays in implementation caused by NGO interventions, stating that arguments from the Central and State governments could not be adequately heard. Justice Mehta appealed to lawyers, saying: “We request all advocates to allow us to establish accountability of the Centre, state governments, and other stakeholders. We need to pass orders, spend time with the authorities, and see if they have action plans. The problem has escalated a thousandfold. We are only demanding enforcement of statutory provisions—let us do our work, let us proceed.”

This ruling underscores the Supreme Court’s intent to ensure public safety while holding both governments and individuals accountable for the management of stray animals across India.