New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a strong warning to state governments over the rising number of stray dog attacks across the country. The apex court said states must take immediate action to control the menace or face heavy penalties. It made it clear that states will have to pay compensation for every stray dog bite incident.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that the impact of a dog bite often stays with the victim for life. Therefore, the court stressed that governments cannot ignore public safety concerns. It warned that failure to act would result in strict financial penalties imposed on the concerned states.
States Responsible for Compensation
The court stated that if a child or any citizen dies due to a stray dog attack, the responsibility lies with the state. It questioned who should be held accountable if dogs fed by organizations or individuals cause fatal attacks. The bench said states must ensure effective measures to prevent such incidents.
Moreover, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over people feeding stray dogs in public places. The judges said that those who love dogs should take them home and care for them responsibly. The court made it clear that emotional arguments cannot override human safety.
Court Rejects Emotional Arguments
The bench emphasized that concern should extend equally to humans, especially children and elderly citizens. It said that allowing stray dogs to roam freely and scare people on streets is unacceptable. Public safety, the court added, remains a top priority.
Earlier, in November last year, the Supreme Court issued directions to relocate stray dogs near schools, bus stands, railway stations, playgrounds, and other public places to shelters. The court continues to hear the matter as stray dog attacks increase nationwide.
The latest remarks send a clear message to state governments to act swiftly and responsibly to prevent further incidents and protect citizens.
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