Kerala Government Empowers District Committees to Tackle Dog Bite Compensation Claims: Justice for Victims!
The Kerala government has informed the Kerala High Court about the establishment of district-level committees to manage compensation claims related to dog bites. This initiative follows a directive from the Supreme Court necessitating the replacement of the Siri Jagan Committee, which was originally appointed in 2016 to oversee compensation for victims but had ceased operations based on another Supreme Court ruling indicating that such responsibilities lie with High Courts.
In a hearing presided over by Justice C.S. Dias, the government detailed the composition of these district committees, which now include key officials: the secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, the District Medical Officer, and the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government department. Additionally, the district animal husbandry officer has been included as a committee member to enhance expertise in animal-related issues. This update comes amid ongoing petitions urging governmental action to address the troubling rise in stray dog attacks in the state.
During the proceedings, the Additional Advocate General (AAG) requested that the court defer discussions on these petitions until the Supreme Court renders its decision on a similar pending case. Consequently, the High Court scheduled the next hearing for September 11, following the Onam holidays. Earlier, the High Court had inquired whether incidents of stray dog attacks could be classified under the State Disaster Management Act specifically for the purpose of granting compensation to victims. It also directed the State Police Chief to provide detailed records of First Information Reports (FIRs) related to dog bite incidents.
Addressing the severe ramifications of these attacks, the government revealed that 23 individuals succumbed to rabies in Kerala within the first seven months of 2025, with nearly half of these cases linked to stray dogs and puppies. Specifically, 11 rabies deaths were caused by stray dog bites, while additional fatalities were attributed to pet dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals. In 2024, there were 26 reported rabies fatalities, with 15 stemming from stray dog bites. Alarmingly, the state has recorded over 300,000 dog bite incidents from August 2024 to July 2025, including a peak of 35,085 incidents in March alone.
In an effort to tackle this public health concern, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has mandated local bodies to implement sterilization and vaccination programs for stray dogs, as well as providing shelter for those that cannot be returned to the streets. The government plans to set up portable animal birth control centers in areas significantly affected by stray dog issues, alongside a proposal to amend existing regulations to empower local authorities further in managing the stray dog population.
Moreover, the LSGD intends to enforce stringent compliance with pet dog licensing and vaccination requirements, introducing fines for those who do not adhere to these regulations. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the threat posed by stray dogs while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
As the state grapples with this pressing issue, the court’s rulings and the government’s actions are crucial in shaping a pragmatic response to the rising challenge of stray dog attacks in Kerala.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/district-level-committees-formed-to-handle-compensation-claims-for-dog-bites-kerala-govt-tells-hc/article69955905.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-08-20 19:39:00
