The government was also ordered by the court to establish a committee to handle these kinds of instances.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court noted in a recent ruling that in cases when stray animals—such as dogs and cattle—attack individuals, the state would be the principal party accountable for paying damages.
In cases of dog bite the court ordered that victims would receive at least “₹10,000 for each tooth mark”
In cases of dog bite, the court ordered that victims would receive at least “₹10,000 for each tooth mark” and “minimum of ₹20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound” (i.e., where the skin had been torn off).
“With the power to recover compensation from the State’s noncompliant agencies, instrumentalities, and/or private parties, if any, the State will bear the primary liability for payment.,” the High Court said. The court was answering a petition in a dog bite case asking for damages.
The government was also instructed by the court to establish a committee to handle these cases. “As per the High Court’s ruling, the Committee in question will have the following members: (a) Superintendent of Police/Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic); (b) Sub Divisional Magistrate of the concerned area; (c) The District Transport Officer; and (d) Representative of the Chief Medical Officer. The Chairperson of the Committee will be the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned District.
The country’s discourse on the problem of stray dogs intensified following the passing of 49-year-old businessman Parag Desai. Desai, executive director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, succumbed to brain hemorrhage after he suffered injuries following an attack by stray dogs outside his residence last month.
After the sad event, some social media users demanded that the problem of stray dogs be addressed right away, noting multiple cases of animal assaults that have resulted in deaths and injuries, particularly to youngsters. Acts of animal cruelty have also stemmed from the growing public outcry over such events.