Chandigarh: In a judgment likely to set a precedent and spark a huge debate, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has said the State shall be “primarily responsible” to pay compensation in cases of attacks by stray animals such as dogs and cattle. In dog bite cases, it has said, the assistance shall be a minimum of ₹ 10,000 “per teeth mark” and a minimum of ₹ 20,000 per 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh has come off.
The ruling comes amid a huge debate in the country on the stray dog menace. The death of 49-year-old Parag Desai, executive director with Wagh Bakri Tea Group, in October had sparked off a fresh round in the debate. A hospital statement had said Mr Desai died of a hemorrhage suffered in a fall after stray dogs chased him.
Also Read: Wagh Bakri Scion Losses Life To Stray Dog Menace
Soon after the tragic incident, a section of social media users demanded urgent steps to tackle the problem of stray dogs. 193 petitions were filed in the High Court seeking compensation in a dogbite case and attacks by stray animals.
“The State shall be primarily responsible to pay compensation with a right to recover the same from the defaulting Agencies/ Instrumentalities of the State and/or the private person, if any,” the High Court said.
The court’s decision to hold the state primarily responsible for compensating victims of stray animal attacks is a welcome one. It recognizes that the state has a duty to protect its citizens from harm, including harm from stray animals. The court’s order also sets out clear guidelines for calculating compensation in dog bite cases, which will help to ensure that victims are fairly compensated for their injuries.
The judgment is likely to spark a debate about the issue of stray animal management in India. There are an estimated 50 million stray dogs in India, and they are responsible for millions of bites each year. These bites can cause serious injuries, and even death. The government has a responsibility to address the issue of stray animal management, and the court’s judgment is a step in the right direction.