Gujarat Human Rights Commission Mandates Compensation for Stray Animal Fatalities
The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has issued directives to local municipal authorities requiring them to provide financial compensation to families affected by fatal incidents involving stray animals. This decisive action underscores growing concerns regarding public safety and the accountability of civic bodies in managing urban wildlife hazards.
Compensation Awarded in Mandvi Bull Attack Case
According to the Commission's 19th annual administrative report, which was formally presented before the state legislative assembly, a compensation amount of Rs 3 lakh was disbursed to the legal heir of a woman who tragically lost her life after being attacked by a bull in Mandvi town, located within Kutch district. The GSHRC took serious note of this incident based on both a formal complaint and subsequent media coverage.
The Commission proactively sought detailed responses from the District Magistrate and District Development Officer of Kutch, as well as the Chief Officer of the Mandvi Municipality. In its official submission, the municipal authority confirmed that the compensation had been paid and outlined specific preventive measures implemented to avoid any recurrence of such tragic events. The report emphasized that the Commission's intervention was instrumental in securing both financial relief for the grieving family and the establishment of concrete safeguards.
Suo Motu Action in Rapar Town Stray Cattle Incident
In a separate case originating from Rapar town, also in Kutch district, the Commission exercised its suo motu powers upon reviewing a report that highlighted a series of attacks by stray cattle. This distressing situation resulted in injuries to eight individuals and the death of a retired Public Works Department employee. Following the Commission's directives, the Rapar Municipality provided Rs 1 lakh in compensation to the family of the deceased and submitted a comprehensive action plan to address the persistent menace posed by stray animals in the area.
Broader Context and Case Statistics
The GSHRC also referenced a prior case where it had directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to compensate a victim of severe dog bites, demonstrating a consistent pattern of holding civic bodies responsible for public safety lapses related to stray animals.
Overall, during the reporting period, the Commission handled a total of 2,583 complaints and suo motu cases, successfully disposing of 2,016 of them. Ahmedabad city accounted for the highest caseload at 543, with 435 of these cases being resolved. This data highlights the Commission's active role in addressing human rights concerns across Gujarat, with animal-related public safety issues forming a significant part of its mandate.
