New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a strong warning to state authorities over the growing menace of stray dog attacks, saying compensation is likely to be imposed for every dog bite, death or injury suffered by children or elderly persons due to official inaction. The court also made it clear that individuals who claim responsibility for feeding stray dogs would not be exempt from accountability.
Hearing a case related to the management of stray dogs, the bench observed that repeated incidents reflect a failure of governance and enforcement. Justice Vikram Nath remarked that those feeding dogs on the streets must be prepared to take responsibility, questioning why animals should be allowed to roam freely in public spaces, creating fear and danger for citizens.
The court’s remarks came during an exchange with counsel who described the issue as emotionally charged. The bench responded that concern so far appeared to be focused more on animals than on the safety of people, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and senior citizens.
The Supreme Court has been monitoring the issue through a suo motu proceeding amid a sharp rise in dog bite cases across the country. In earlier directions issued in November last year, the court ordered the removal of stray dogs from sensitive public spaces including schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and sports complexes. Authorities were instructed to relocate the animals to designated shelters and ensure they are not released back into the same locations.
The court had also directed municipal bodies to carry out regular inspections of public and government premises to prevent the formation of stray dog habitats. It noted that recurring incidents within institutional areas indicate not only administrative neglect but also a systemic failure to safeguard public spaces from avoidable risks.
In a separate ruling concerning Delhi and adjoining regions, the Supreme Court described the stray dog situation as extremely serious and ordered the relocation of dogs from residential areas to shelters. It warned that any person or organisation obstructing authorities from capturing stray dogs would face strict action.
At the same time, the court clarified that dogs sterilised and immunised could be released back into areas except in cases involving rabies or aggressive behaviour. It also directed civic bodies to earmark designated feeding zones, stressing that feeding stray dogs in public places would not be permitted and violations would attract punitive measures.
The court reiterated that public safety remains paramount and urged authorities to act decisively to prevent further incidents.
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