New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the failure of States to enforce rules governing stray animals and warned that hefty compensation may be imposed for dog-bite incidents, particularly those involving children and the elderly.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria observed that norms related to the management of stray animals have remained largely unimplemented for the past five years. The court said State governments could be directed to pay substantial compensation in cases of death or injury caused by dog attacks due to this inaction.
The bench also indicated that persons and groups feeding stray dogs would not be absolved of responsibility. Justice Nath remarked that accountability would be fixed on those who feed stray animals, questioning why such animals are allowed to roam freely in public spaces if they are cared for so deeply.
Justice Mehta agreed, raising concerns about who should be held answerable when stray dogs attack children. He questioned whether authorities and organisations could simply ignore a problem that poses a risk to public safety.
The court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking changes to its November 7, 2025, order, which had directed authorities to remove stray animals from institutional premises and public roads.
