Accidents › Dog bite or animal attack
Elderly parent bitten by stray dogs
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- What kind of animal? A stray dog
- Who was bitten? An elderly person
Where you stand
- In your favour The Supreme Court has signalled that states will be made to pay compensation for stray dog bites.
- Next step Some High Courts have set compensation rates — ask about the formula in your state.
Do these now
- Written complaint to the municipality (and any earlier complaints about the same dogs)
Supports a claim against the authority. Where: Municipal helpline / portal.
Papers to gather
- Hospital records, vaccine card and bills
Basis of any compensation. Where: Hospital. - Photos of wounds (with a scale or ruler) taken the same day
Some courts fix compensation per tooth mark and wound size. Where: Your phone. - Location details and photos/video of the animal or area
Identifies the responsible body. Where: Your phone; CCTV nearby. - Proof of lost income or school days
Adds to compensation. Where: Employer / school.
What the law says
Stray dogs are managed by municipal bodies under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. In the ongoing Supreme Court case on stray dogs (since July 2025), the Court in January 2026 warned that it would make state governments pay heavy compensation for dog-bite injuries and deaths. Some High Courts have already fixed compensation formulas. A pet owner who negligently fails to control an animal can be liable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and must pay damages.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Has the anti-rabies vaccine been started?
Similar situations
Sources
- Animal Welfare Board of India (official site) — Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- NALSA — free legal aid
The full guide: Dog bite or animal attack — stray or pet · All situations