SC Slams Centre, States Over Stray Dog Menace; Warns of Heavy Compensation for Deaths

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticised both the Union government and state governments over the growing menace of stray dogs in the country. A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath warned that governments would be forced to pay heavy compensation to the families of every person who dies due to stray dog attacks.

The court observed that governments have failed miserably in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The remarks were made during a hearing on Tuesday.

The bench made it clear that strict compensation would be recovered from the responsible governments for every man, woman, or child who dies after being bitten by stray dogs. The court also criticised people who feed stray dogs in public places.

The judges stated that those who claim to love dogs should take them into their own homes and care for them, instead of letting them roam freely and pose a threat to others in public spaces. The bench pointed out that the impact of dog attacks can last a lifetime.

In a sharp remark, the court said that so-called animal lovers often show compassion only towards dogs, while the court’s greater responsibility lies with human lives. It stressed that it is not right to speak only for a single species.

The court further noted that stray dogs can sense fear and are more likely to attack people who are afraid. It directed authorities to intensify measures to make public places such as hospitals and schools free from stray dogs.