Where is dog bite compensation committee ordered by high court in Chandigarh? Still in UT files

Holding the state “primarily responsible” for paying compensation to people in incidents where stray animals are involved, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ruled that in cases relating to dog bite, the financial assistance should be at a minimum of Rs 10,000 per teeth mark and where the flesh has been pulled off the skin, it should be a minimum of Rs 20,000 per 0.2 cm of wound.

Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior UT officer said, “The notification of the committee is still underway by the department concerned (urban local body department). It was being examined as per the Election Commission’s code of conduct instructions during elections for new schemes. As and when we receive the notification from the department, cases of dog bites will be examined by the district committee.”

When asked for a status from the local government, the Chandigarh administration spokesperson said that the notification would be issued soon.

The menace of street dog bites was also raised in the general house on Tuesday. BJP councillor Harpreet Babla said the issue of dog bites was being downplayed and that there were numerous dog bite cases in her ward.

When she asked about the committee’s status and whether any compensation had been given, Commissioner Anindita Mitra said, “The Committee is to be notified by the end of the local government secretary from where the file has been sent to the administrator, and hopefully, it will be notified this week.”

She added that each case brought for compensation would be medically examined and that a compensation provision of 20 lakh had been kept ready.

What the high court order said on dog bite compensation

As per the high court order, the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh should set up committees to determine compensation for claims related to accidents caused by stray cattle or animals such as cows, bulls, oxen, donkeys, dogs, nilgai, buffaloes, and others. These committees should also cover wild, pet, and deserted animals. The deputy commissioner of the relevant district will lead each committee.

“The compensation to be awarded by the committee for incidents and accidents resulting in death or permanent disability shall be as prescribed in the respective state policies for the claims. In relation to claims lodged in Chandigarh, the benefits extended in the policy of Punjab shall be awarded. The award shall be issued by the committee within four months of the claims being filed, along with the required documents,” the high court had ordered.