10,000 For "Each Teeth Mark": Court's Compensation Rate In Dogbite Cases

The court asked Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to form a committee to decide on compensation to be paid in cases of accidents caused or attacks by stray animals

In a judgment likely to set a precedent and spark a huge debate, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has said the State shall be "primarily responsible" to pay compensation in cases of attacks by stray animals such as dogs and cattle. In dog bite cases, it has said, the assistance shall be a minimum of Rs 10,000 "per teeth mark" and a minimum of Rs 20,000 per 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh has come off.

The court was hearing a bunch of 193 petitions relating to attacks by stray animals.