'States, Feeders Will Pay For Every Bite And Death': SC Issues Stern Warning On Dog Attacks

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a sharp message to state governments and individuals who feed stray dogs, saying they could soon face heavy compensation claims for injuries and deaths caused by canine attacks. 

The court said the issue is not just about bites but the long-term harm and danger these incidents pose to people, especially children and the elderly. 

What exactly did the court say?

The top court questioned why stray dogs are still allowed to roam freely and bite people. It said it is likely to hold states strictly liable to pay compensation for every dog bite and death linked to stray dogs and to extend that responsibility to those feeding them. 

The bench asked whether organisations or individuals who feed strays should be made responsible if their animals injure or kill someone. 

“For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states for not making requisite arrangements. And also liability to dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong,” the Supreme Court said.

Justices pointed out that a dog bite can leave lifelong physical and psychological effects. The court remarked that knowing a dog’s mood or behaviour is unpredictable and warned that authorities must do more to prevent attacks. 

Why is this issue before the Supreme Court?

The hearing is part of a larger suo motu case the court started after media reports highlighted rising stray dog bite incidents and rabies cases, especially in Delhi and other cities. 

The bench has repeatedly criticised states for slow or inadequate action in managing the stray dog population. 

Earlier orders from the Supreme Court have directed civic authorities to remove stray dogs from institutional areas like hospitals and schools, and to relocate them to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination. Critics say implementation has been patchy, leaving many areas still vulnerable to attacks. 

Who could be held accountable?

The court's remarks extended beyond state governments. It singled out individuals and groups feeding stray dogs, asking whether they should be expected to take the animals into their homes if they are concerned about their welfare. The suggestion signals that liability might one day reach well past official authorities to ordinary citizens who feed strays.

"Who should be made responsible when a nine-year old child is killed by dogs who are fed by a particular organisation? Should the organisation not be made liable for damages?" the Supreme Court said during the hearing.

What's next in the case?

The Supreme Court will return to the issue in upcoming hearings. It is expected to clarify how much compensation might be required and who exactly will be responsible for paying if bites and deaths continue.

This development brings fresh urgency to 
the country's long-running struggle to balance animal welfare with public safety on crowded city streets.