Dog bite cases are on the rise in Karnataka with every passing year. However, the government has recently passed an order to pay compensation for stray dog bites and resulting deaths.
In 2021, 1,59,247 lakh dog bite incidents were reported in the state. There was a rise in dog bites, with 1,62,624 lakh cases in 2022. In 2023, between January 1st and September 30th, 1,62,883 lakh cases have already been reported in the state. Moreover, in Bengaluru city alone, an average of 56 dog bite incidents are reported every day.
What is the compensation for stray dog bites in Karnataka?
In Karnataka, as per a recent order, the government has fixed the compensation amount at Rs 5,000 for a stray dog-bite victim. Besides this, the government has announced a sum of Rs 5 lakh for resulting death within the jurisdiction of any ULB (Urban Local Bodies).
ULB Committees for stray dog bites in Karnataka
The Urban Development Department (UDD) has directed all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to establish committees to review dog bite cases and extend compensation to victims. As per the newly formed order, the commissioner or the chief officer of the relevant ULB will head the committee. The taluk health officer and the assistant director of the jurisdictional taluk animal husbandry and veterinary services department will form the members. In addition, the health officer of the ULB will serve as the member secretary.
The functions and responsibilities of ULB committees
As per the recent order, the concerned officials must conduct site visits where dog bite incidents have occurred. The health supervisors must then submit a report to the respective committees within 48 hours of the dog bite. Additionally, the committees should hold a meeting within 48 hours to work towards paying compensation to the victim.
Before approving compensation, the committees must verify the hospital bills and assess the photographs associated with dog bites. Furthermore, in case of death owing to a dog bite, the concerned department must release the compensation to the aggrieved family within a day. ULBs will fund the compensation and medical expenses from their resources.
Eligibility to claim compensation for stray dog bites in Karnataka
The victims are entitled to compensation for dog bites in Karnataka on the following basis.
- The victim was bitten or attacked by a stray dog.
- The attack occurred in a public place.
- The victim was not the provoker in the attack.
- The victim suffered physical injuries owing to the stray dog attack.
The procedure to claim compensation for stray dog bites in Karnataka
To claim compensation for stray dog bites in Karnataka, the victim will have to follow the below norms.
- The first and foremost thing to do is to visit a nearby hospital or a medical centre and get proper treatment.
- While taking treatment, try to gather proof of the dog attack by taking photos of the wounds, torn clothes and other evident signs owing to the attack. This will help you file a complaint and claim compensation easily.
- The victim will have to report to the respective state Municipality Department/Council or animal control department of the stray dog attack with details like the time, location and description of the dog.
- The victim should file a police complaint if he/she suffers significant injuries, having the supporting evidence intact like photos, prescriptions, medical bills and other expenses for the treatment owing to the stray dog bite.
- The police will file an FIR to begin the investigation.
- The victim will have to give a written letter to the concerned officer. He may also have to fill out an application form furnishing all the necessary details and required documents, as an incomplete form will be rejected.
- The concerned authority will provide an acknowledgement receipt if the application has been approved for submission. The victim or the applicant should keep it safe for future reference.
- The updates regarding the application status will be forwarded via SMS to the victim/applicant’s mobile number.
- The concerned officer will call the victim/applicant once the process is completed.
- There is no fee involved for the claim.