In a decisive move to address the alarming surge in stray dog attacks, the Kerala High Court has ordered the formation of district-level committees to process compensation claims filed by victims. Justice CS Dias, presiding over the matter on July 28, emphasized the urgent need to balance animal rights with the fundamental rights of human beings.
“While animal rights have to be respected, they cannot trump fundamental rights of human beings. However, a balance has to be struck for co-existence,” the Court stressed.
The Court was hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by a law student demanding implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Disturbed by the state’s inaction, Justice Dias cited recent cases—including the tragic death of a vaccinated child in Kannur—and revealed shocking statistics:
“There have been 16 deaths and more than 1 lakh people have been bitten in the last six months in our State of Kerala. The population of stray dogs is about 50 lakh. Something has to be done … I have to walk on the road, I don’t want to be terrorized.”
As per the Court’s order, the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), in coordination with the State, must constitute district-level committees within one month. These panels will include:
- The Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)
- The District Medical Officer
- The Joint Director of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD)
They will handle both fresh and pending compensation claims, including those earlier under the Justice Siri Jagan Committee, which was recently dissolved.
Victims can file complaints online or offline before DLSAs or Taluk Legal Services Committees. The new committees will follow procedures previously laid down by the Siri Jagan panel.
The Court also criticized the poor implementation of dog sterilization efforts despite the State allocating ₹98 crore to the LSGD for stray dog control. Shockingly, only ₹13 crore was spent, resulting in just 15,767 dogs sterilized in 2024–25.
The Principal Secretary of the LSGD has now been directed to submit an affidavit within two weeks detailing:
- The estimated population of stray dogs in Kerala
- Number of dog bite incidents and related deaths
- Number of anti-rabies vaccine doses administered
Furthermore, the Court restrained the State from acting under Rule 8 of the Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures Rules, 2023, which allows euthanasia of incurably ill dogs, pending further orders.
In line with past rulings, including Ajayan MR’s case and Animal Welfare Board of India v. People for Elimination of Stray Troubles, the Court reiterated its stance on humane and lawful treatment of animals.
Lastly, the Court sought data on crimes registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for offences related to animal cruelty under Sections 295 (negligent conduct with respect to animals) and 325 (mischief by killing or maiming animals).
The matter is posted for next hearing on August 19, 2025, with Senior Advocate Deepak P appointed as amicus curiaeto assist the Court in the proceedings.
Case: Keerthana Sarin vs State of Kerala & ors and connected cases – Available on LAWFYI.IO
