Stray dog ​​case: Supreme Court says government and those feeding the dogs can be held accountable for dog bites.

The Supreme Court made strong remarks on Tuesday (January 13) during a crucial hearing on the issue of stray dogs. Addressing the menace of stray dogs in residential areas, the Supreme Court indicated that it could hold both civic authorities and dog owners liable for any injuries or deaths caused by stray dog ​​attacks.

The top court remarked that those concerned about stray dogs should take them into their homes instead of allowing them to "roam around, bite, and terrorize the public."

This oral observation came as a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria was hearing a suo motu case related to the stray dog ​​issue. The bench stated that dog lovers and those who feed stray dogs would also be held "responsible" and "accountable" for dog bite incidents.

Justice Nath said, "For every case of death or injury to children or the elderly due to dog bites, we will demand heavy compensation from the state governments because they have done nothing regarding the implementation of the rules in the last five years.  Responsibility and accountability will also be fixed on those who feed these stray dogs. If you love these animals so much, why don't you take them to your homes? Why are these dogs roaming around, biting and scaring people?"

Justice Mehta, concurring with Justice Nath's views, said, "When dogs attack a 9-year-old child, who should be held responsible? Is it the organization that is feeding them? You want us to turn a blind eye to this problem."

The Supreme Court is hearing several petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025, order, which directed authorities to remove these stray animals from institutional areas and streets.