The Karnataka High Court highlighted concerns over rising trivial litigation caused by irresponsible pet ownership, emphasizing civic responsibility and social harmony, while Justice M. Nagaprasanna stayed criminal proceedings arising from a neighborhood dispute involving a dog soiling a neighbor’s doorstep.
KARNATAKA: The Karnataka High Court expressed concern about the increasing number of trivial disputes in courts stemming from dog owners who neglect their responsibilities in managing their pets.
Justice M Nagaprasanna made these remarks while staying a criminal case resulting from a reported physical confrontation between neighbors over a dog that had soiled a neighbor’s doorstep.
The Court stated,
“It is surprising as to how the dog owners are letting the dogs without taking care of them and creating problems of this nature which are clogging the criminal courts on frivolous points. Therefore, there shall be an interim order of stay of all further proceedings, investigation in crime number … until next date of hearing,”
ALSO READ: Stray Dogs Case| Not All Dogs Must Be Removed from Streets: Supreme Court Clarifies
The petition was lodged by four family members who alleged that their neighbor allowed his dog to litter their entrance. When they raised objections, a physical altercation ensued, during which it is claimed that the dog owner assaulted the petitioners with a stone and a bracelet, injuring one of them, who required hospitalization. This incident occurred on December 29, 2025.
A criminal case was opened against the dog owner, who subsequently filed a counter-complaint accusing the petitioners of assault and insult with the intent to disrupt the peace. The petitioners then approached the High Court, seeking to quash the case, which the Court has now stayed. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 13.
The petition was filed with the assistance of Advocate Prithveesh MK.
Justice Nagaprasanna had also been called to review a similar case a day earlier, on February 3, involving a dog owner and two family members facing criminal charges.
ALSO READ: Stray Dogs Row: Supreme Court to Hear Suo Motu Case on October 27
In that instance, some neighbors confronted the dog owners, claiming that their pet frequently roamed around the apartment complex and defecated in communal areas, leading to an altercation. The dog owners filed a criminal case against these neighbors, who, in turn, accused the pet owners of various offenses, such as hurt and assault. The petitioners argued that this was a retaliatory counter-complaint while seeking to quash the criminal proceedings against them.
Justice Nagaprasanna humorously remarked during hearing,
“Who let the dogs out?”
After considering preliminary submissions by Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari representing the petitioners, the Court stayed the criminal case against them as well.
Justice Nagaprasanna advised before adjourning the matter,
“Don’t take your dog anywhere now,”
This petition was submitted through Advocate Bola Vedvyas Shenoy.
Case Title: Abhishek H v The State by Amruthahally Police Station