Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 20: The state government has issued an order announcing that victims injured in stray dog attacks will receive compensation of Rs 5,000, while families of those who die due to such attacks will be provided Rs 5 lac.
Of the Rs 5,000 compensation for those injured, Rs 1,500 will be allotted towards medical expenses, and Rs 3,500 will be paid to the victims. In cases where a person dies due to a stray dog attack or rabies, the family will be given Rs 5 lac.
The order further states that a committee will be formed under the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority to inspect and distribute compensation to citizens affected by stray dog bites.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram expressed concern over the alarming rise in dog-bite and rabies-related deaths in Tamil Nadu. Citing data, he noted that the state has recorded around 5.25 lakh dog-bite cases and 28 rabies deaths this year alone.
He stated that while the concerns of dog lovers are valid, they must also consider the worrying statistics. Stray dogs must be segregated, neutered, and vaccinated, he said, adding that the Supreme Court has directed that vaccinated dogs may be released back into their territories, except in certain public places.
Chidambaram urged dog lovers to support and help implement the court’s directions. These measures, he said, are essential to ensure the safety of street users, especially children, women, and senior citizens.
His remarks come after the Supreme Court's recent order directing all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations, in view of the ‘alarming increase in dog-bite incidents’.
The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria also stated that dogs do not return to their territories after sterilization surgery. The court instructed that all such institutions and public places must be properly fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs.