Kerala HC Orders District-Level Panels to Fast-Track Dog Bite Compensation Claims

Kerala: In a significant move to address the surge in stray dog bite incidents, the Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) to coordinate with the state government and establish district-level committees within one month to process and adjudicate compensation claims filed by victims of such attacks.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions demanding judicial intervention to manage the worsening stray dog situation and provide a mechanism for victims to seek redress. Responding to these concerns, the state proposed a decentralised system, suggesting that each district form a committee comprising the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary, District Medical Officer (DMO), and Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD). These panels would replace the earlier Justice Siri Jagan Committee.

A bench led by Justice C.S. Dias accepted the proposal and instructed the KeLSA member secretary to retrieve all pending claim petitions from the registry of the Siri Jagan Committee and transfer them to the respective DLSAs. The new committees are expected to renumber these petitions, notify the complainants and relevant local authorities, and expedite the adjudication process.

To ensure consistency and efficiency across districts, the court also ordered KeLSA to issue procedural guidelines and practice directions for the newly formed bodies. A compliance report documenting the steps taken to implement the order must be filed within a month. Advocate P. Deepak has been appointed amicus curiae to assist the court in overseeing implementation and legal clarity.

The court clarified that victims of new stray dog attacks may submit compensation claims either physically or online, before the district or taluk legal services committees. Claims filed at the taluk level must be transferred to the appropriate DLSA for final adjudication.

No Euthanasia for Now

During the proceedings, the state submitted its interpretation of Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023, which allows for euthanasia under limited conditions; such as when an animal is gravely diseased, injured beyond recovery, or poses a risk of spreading disease. The rule requires certification either by a registered veterinary practitioner or a directive from the government.

However, the High Court held that no euthanasia of stray dogs will be permitted until further orders, considering earlier judicial decisions and the ongoing enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. This maintains the legal protection currently extended to stray animals and reaffirms the judiciary's cautious approach on matters involving animal welfare.

With this order, Kerala moves toward a more structured and accessible claims process for victims, while continuing to balance public safety with legal protections for animals.