On Tuesday (13th January), the Supreme Court hinted that it may levy liabilities on civic authorities and dog feeders in cases wherein any injury or death is caused by stray dog attacks.
In an oral observation, the apex court bench comprising justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria said that instead of letting stray dogs “loiter around, bite and scare” the public, those concerned about stray dogs must take them to their homes.
The Supreme Court indicated that it may impose liability on both local bodies and dog feeders for any injury or death caused by stray dog attacks.
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026
The Supreme Court heard arguments of several lawyers in the suo motu case related to the stray dog issue and posted the matter for…
“For every dog bite, death or injury caused to children or the elderly, we are likely going to fix heavy compensation by the state, for not doing anything. Also, liability and accountability on those who are saying we are feeding dogs. Do it, take them to your house. Why should dogs be loitering around, biting, scaring people?” Justice Vikram Nath asked.
Meanwhile, Justice Mehta said, “Who should be held accountable when dogs attack a 9-year-old? The organisation that is feeding them? You want us to shut our eyes to the problem. Who will bear responsibility when a stray dog attacks someone? Stray dog can’t be in the possession of anyone. If you want [a pet], take license.”
Notably, the Supreme Court bench was monitoring compliance with its November 2025 order, which mandated local authorities to remove stray dogs from railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, schools, and other public institutions. These dogs, as per the orders, must be moved to a designated shelter after due sterilisation and vaccination as per the ABC Rules 2023. The apex court categorically said that these dogs “shall not be released back to the same location from which they were picked up”.
OpIndia is doing a series on the stray dog menace in India which can be checked here.
