Bengaluru (Karnataka): The Karnataka government has unveiled a compensation scheme for families affected by fatal dog bites and for individuals who sustain injuries from stray dog attacks.

Under the new directive, families of those who die from dog bites will receive Rs 5 lakh as state compensation. For non-fatal injuries such as skin punctures, deep bruises, lacerations or multiple bites, victims will be entitled to Rs 5,000. Of this, Rs 3,500 will be paid directly to the victim, while Rs 1,500 will be allocated to the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust for treatment-related expenses.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram highlighted the growing concern over dog bites and rabies-related deaths in Tamil Nadu. He noted, “According to a newspaper report, Tamil Nadu recorded 5,25,000 cases of dog bites this year (so far) and 28 deaths due to rabies.”

He also urged dog lovers to support measures aimed at public safety, stating, "Being a dog lover is not antagonistic to support sequestering stray dogs, sterilising them and vaccinating them."

Citing a Supreme Court directive, Chidambaram added, "The Supreme Court has directed the release of the vaccinated dogs in their old habitats (except in some public places). There is no attempt to eliminate stray dogs. Dog lovers must support and help in the implementation of the Court-directed measures. They are for the safety of street-users especially children, women and senior citizens."

The Supreme Court had previously highlighted the rise in dog bite incidents and instructed all states and UTs to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations and similar locations.
The Court emphasised that sterilised and vaccinated dogs must not be released back to the same areas, as it would “frustrate the very purpose” of the order. Local authorities are responsible for transferring these dogs to designated shelters in compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs have been asked to ensure strict adherence, with accountability measures for non-compliance.

ANI