Supreme Court Warns States and Dog Feeders of Compensation for Stray Dog Attacks

The Supreme Court of India has warned it may impose heavy compensation on states for every dog bite, injury, or death caused by stray dogs, citing decades of administrative failure to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The court also held dog feeders liable, urging them to keep dogs at home rather than allowing them to roam publicly. It emphasized the lifelong impact of dog bites and questioned accountability, especially when attacks involve children or elderly victims. The court is monitoring compliance with earlier orders mandating removal of stray dogs from public institutions and proper sterilisation and vaccination, while balancing animal welfare concerns.