India's Supreme Court warns states may owe heavy compensation for dog bites due to failure to enforce animal sterilization laws, stressing accountability for feeding stray dogs.

The Supreme Court of India warned that states may face heavy compensation for dog bite injuries and deaths, criticizing years of poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. The court questioned the accountability of individuals and authorities who feed stray dogs, stressing that compassion should not override public safety. It emphasized that feeding dogs without adopting or sheltering them could lead to liability, especially if children or the elderly are harmed. While affirming that sterilization—not culling—is the proper solution, the bench urged stricter enforcement of existing laws, removal of dogs from sensitive areas like schools and hospitals, and greater responsibility from both governments and animal welfare groups. The court also highlighted the long-term trauma from attacks and called for urgent action to manage stray populations humanely and effectively.