Punjab and Haryana High Court has given a big decision regarding the incidents related to dogbite by stray animals. The High Court on Tuesday decided compensation in dog bite cases.
The bench said that if tooth marks are formed due to dog bite, then the victim should be given compensation at the rate of Rs 10,000 per tooth mark. Apart from this, if a dog bite causes a wound on the skin or the flesh gets removed, then a minimum compensation of Rs 20,000 should be given for every 0.2 cm wound.
The High Court has ordered the Punjab and Haryana governments to pay compensation in dog bite incidents. After this decision, the High Court disposed of 193 petitions. The states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh have also been ordered to constitute committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts to determine such compensation.
The matter was being heard.
The High Court was hearing petitions related to payment of compensation to the victims or their family members for incidents and accidents resulting in injuries or death due to stray, wild animals suddenly coming in front of the vehicle.
[ Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj’s bench said, “If someone files an application for compensation with necessary documents after a dog bite, then the committees should take immediate action on it. After completing all the legal procedures after the application, the case should be resolved within 4 months.” Settle it.’ ]
‘Worrying situation’
Hearing the case, Justice Bhardwaj said that the increasing number of deaths and the increasing alarming rate of stray animals on the roads is worrying. It has started affecting human life. The bench said that therefore it is necessary that the state should now share the burden and take the responsibility on its shoulders.
How will I get compensation?
Punjab and Haryana High Court said that it will primarily be the responsibility of the state to pay the compensation. If the state wishes, it can recover the compensation amount from the accused person, agency or department, which has links with the dog.
Ordering the government to make guidelines
The High Court said that after receiving any complaint about any incident or accident, the police should take immediate action. The state government should make guidelines for this. The High Court said that in case of dog bite, the Station House Officer (SHO) should file DDR (Daily Diary Report) without any undue delay. The police officer will verify the claim made. Will record statements of witnesses and prepare site plan and summary. A copy of the report will also be given to the claimant.
Animal Birth Control Rules brought in in 2001
Before 2001, municipal officials could euthanize stray dogs to keep public places safe. Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules were brought in 2001. Under this, a category named ‘Street Dongs’ was created. This rule stated that they should be immunized with “the involvement of animal welfare organizations, private individuals and local authorities”. However, this rule is not clear regarding euthanasia of dogs roaming on the streets except those suffering from serious diseases or seriously injured.
