Should we shut our eyes? Who is responsible when children die? asks Apex Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday made sharp oral observations while hearing a case on stray dog attacks, questioning who should be held accountable when children and elderly citizens are killed or injured by stray dogs on public streets.

Referring to the death of a nine-year-old child, the Bench asked, “Who should be made responsible when a nine-year-old child is killed by stray dogs which are being fed by dog lovers’ organisations?” It further questioned whether the court should “shut its eyes and let things happen.”

The Court remarked that “emotions seem to be there only for the dogs,” while attacks on humans often fail to evoke the same urgency. Indicating that it was considering laying down a strict framework, the Bench said accountability would be clearly fixed.

“We are going to say that heavy compensation will have to be paid by the State for cases of dog bite deaths and injuries,” the Court said, adding that liability would also be fixed on dog lovers and organisations representing them.

‘Feed them at home’

The Bench observed that those wishing to feed or care for dogs should do so within their own premises. “Or else keep them in your own compound, your own house, feed them in your own house. Why should they be allowed to roam around and create a nuisance?” it said.

The Supreme Court also warned that it would raise “serious questions” when hearing both the Centre and State Governments on the issue.

It recalled that during the previous hearing, it had declined to watch videos purportedly showing cruelty towards dogs, noting that there are also videos of dogs attacking children and the elderly.

“We don’t want a competition here,” the Court had said earlier, underscoring that public safety cannot be sidelined in the debate over animal welfare.