Jahanvi Agarwal
In a recent ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court underscored the state’s primary responsibility for compensating victims of stray animal attacks, encompassing incidents involving dogs and cattle. Specifically addressing dog bite cases, the court established compensation benchmarks, stipulating a minimum of ₹10,000 for each tooth mark and a minimum of ₹20,000 for every 0.2 cm of torn-off flesh.
The High Court asserted that the state holds the foremost obligation to provide compensation, reserving the right to recover the amount from defaulting state agencies, instrumentalities, or private individuals, if applicable. Responding to a petition seeking compensation for a dog bite incident, the court also mandated the formation of a committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district, to address such cases.
The committee, comprising key officials such as the Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrate, and District Transport Officer, aims to streamline the resolution of such incidents. This judicial intervention comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over the menace of stray dogs, intensified by the tragic death of entrepreneur Parag Desai, who succumbed to a brain hemorrhage after a stray dog attack.
The ensuing public outcry on social media has ignited a debate on the need for immediate measures to address the issue, balancing public safety with the humane treatment of animals.
Case Name: Rajwinder Kaur and Anr vs State of Haryana and Ors
Diary Number: 22904/2016
Bench: Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj