Kerala High Court addresses rising stray dog threat, urging urgent law and action. Emphasizes human safety with a strong remark: “First preference is for man to walk on the road.”
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KERALA: The Kerala High Court has drawn a firm line between animal welfare and public safety, stating that “humans must come first” when it comes to the rising threat of stray dog attacks in the state.
With over one lakh dog bite cases and 16 reported deaths this year alone due to suspected rabies, Justice C. S. Dias of the High Court did not mince words:
“First preference is for man to walk on the road, not the other way around.”
The court was responding to a batch of petitions relating to dog bite incidents that have gripped Kerala, with increasing public concern over the growing number of stray dogs and lack of accountability from local authorities.
The court’s remarks came during a hearing where an advocate for animal lovers defended the rights of stray dogs. Justice Dias pushed, remarked:
“Only when you get bitten by a dog will you know the real pain, or once you lose someone… Will give you all the dogs, and you take care of them. Further, give a solution to end the menace.”
This stern message reflects growing frustration among citizens and the judiciary alike as dog attacks become more frequent and fatal. The judge highlighted the fear people now feel just walking on public roads, calling the situation “alarming.”
The Court stated,
“This is an alarming situation, the number of stray dogs is increasing day by day. If a human attacks an animal, it is considered an offence; however, if an animal attacks a human, the custodian is held responsible. In this context, the custodian is the LSGD secretary. People should be able to walk in peace, and something must be done.”
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Accepting a proposal by the Kerala state government, the court ordered the formation of district-level committees under the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to handle:
- Public complaints related to dog attacks
- Claims for compensation
- Recommendations for prevention and control
Additionally, the High Court has urged the state legislature to pass a new law for setting up a permanent body to address stray dog control comprehensively and systematically.
The court noted a legal paradox:
- If a human attacks a dog, it is an offence
- But if a dog attacks a human, the custodian (here, the Local Self Government Department secretary) is held liable
Justice Dias stressed that while animal rights are important, human life and safety cannot be compromised.
“People should be able to walk in peace, and something must be done.”
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