The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that states and dog feeders could face significant liabilities for every dog bite and death caused by stray dogs. The bench suggested that damages may be fixed for states that fail to make proper arrangements and for individuals or organizations feeding stray dogs who allow them to roam freely.
The court questioned why stray dogs should be allowed to bite and chase people, emphasizing the long-term impact of dog attacks. “For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states… You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong,” the court said, according to Bar and Bench.
The bench also raised concerns over accountability in cases where stray dogs fed by an organization harm humans, citing the tragic example of a nine-year-old child killed by dogs.
During hearings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that treating animals with empathy can prevent attacks, but Justice Vikram Nath countered that it is impossible to predict a dog’s mood or intentions, noting the threat posed by roaming animals.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing the stray dogs and cattle case, with a three-judge bench including Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, stressing public safety concerns. In November 2025, the court directed the relocation of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and other public institutions to designated shelters after sterilization and vaccination.