New Delhi, Jan 13: The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned that state governments may be directed to pay “heavy compensation” to victims of dog bite incidents, expressing serious concern over the failure to implement norms relating to stray animals over the past five years.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria said accountability would not be limited to the authorities alone, adding that dog feeders and animal lovers could also be held responsible for attacks involving stray dogs.
“For every dog bite, death or injury caused to children or the elderly, we are going to ask the state governments to pay heavy compensation, as they have failed to implement the norms for the past five years,” Justice Vikram Nath said during the hearing.
He added that responsibility would also be fixed on those who feed stray dogs. “If you love these animals so much, why don’t you take them to your house? Why should these dogs loiter on roads, bite people, and cause fear?” the judge asked.
Justice Sandeep Mehta agreed with the observations, raising concerns about accountability in cases involving children. “Who should be held accountable when dogs attack a nine year old child? The organisation feeding them? You want us to shut our eyes to the problem?” he said.
The bench was hearing a batch of petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025 order, which had directed authorities to remove stray animals from institutional areas and public roads.
The court’s remarks come amid growing public concern over rising incidents of dog bites in several parts of the country and the lack of uniform enforcement of existing animal control regulations.