Chandigarh, the “City Beautiful,” is facing a surge in stray dog attacks and this has prompted the Municipal Corporation to take a significant step: allocating INR 20 lakh as compensation money for victims in the upcoming fiscal year. This move comes in response to a recent Punjab and Haryana Court ruling mandating minimum financial assistance for dog bite victims.
The ruling clearly stated a minimum compensation of INR 10,000 per tooth mark and a minimum of INR 20,000 per 0.2 cm wound for injuries involving flesh removal. However, only after the successful installation of a committee for the claims, the victims will be able to file for compensation.
The committee, headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district, will be responsible for assessing claims and determining the compensation amount. The High Court has mandated that these compensations will be awarded within four months of receiving claims with the necessary documentation.
The Municipal Corporation’s decision to allocate compensation funds underscores the severity of the situation. The number of dog bite cases in Chandigarh has doubled in a single year, jumping from 5.365 in 2022 to a whopping 10,621 in 2023 (12th December)
Residents across the city are no longer strangers to the sight of packs of stray dogs roaming freely in streets, parks, markets, and other public areas. These canines often exhibit aggressive behavior, posing a threat to both pedestrians and vehicles.
Besides, the Municipal Corporation puts forward the argument that since 2015 when they started being aggressive in tackling stray dogs, they have already been able to sterilize over 22,000 stray dogs through partnerships with private agencies, making the regional leaders and citizenry still probably disbelieving of the efficiency of the program.
Many believed that even after these programs there is no noticeable decrease in the stray dog population. The constant presence of these animals on the streets suggests the program might not be as comprehensive as the corporation claims.
While the compensation fund offers some relief to victims, it doesn’t address the root cause of the issue. A more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the stray dog menace in Chandigarh.
Effective sterilization programs are crucial, but ensuring their reach and impact is vital. Collaboration with animal welfare organizations and exploring humane population control methods could be a step in the right direction.
Simultaneously, responsible pet ownership needs to be promoted. However, Chandigarh has already introduced new laws dictating the number of pet dogs a household can own based on the size of their residence. Still, expanding the reach and enforcement of the programs encouraging pet care including sterilization and vaccination can significantly reduce the stray population.
Additionally, responsible waste management practices are also essential. Open garbage attracts stray dogs and contributes to their breeding. Ensuring proper waste disposal and implementing stricter penalties for littering can make a significant difference. In Jan 2024 alone 3,957 challans were issued against people not maintaining the city’s mandated waste management.
