'10,000 for each teeth mark': Punjab and Haryana HC on compensation in dog bite cases
PTC News Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that the state is "primarily responsible" for compensating victims of stray animal attacks such as dogs and cattle. It has been stated that in dog bite cases, assistance shall be provided at 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 court was hearing 193 petitions concerning stray animal attacks.
The decision comes amid a heated debate in the country about the stray dog problem. The death of 49-year-old Parag Desai, executive director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, in October sparked a new round of debate. According to a hospital statement, Desai died of a haemorrhage suffered in a fall after being chased by stray dogs.
Soon after the tragic incident, a section of social media users demanded immediate action to address the stray dog problem, citing multiple cases of animal attacks that resulted in deaths and injuries, including to children. Animal cruelty has increased as public outrage over such cases has grown.
"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 Court said.
The High Court also ordered Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh to form a committee to decide on compensation to be paid in cases of stray animal accidents or attacks. Cows, bulls, oxen, donkeys, dogs, nilgai, buffaloes, and wild, pet, and deserted animals are among them.
- With inputs from agencies
