Consequences for Pet Animal Attacks under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), intended to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), introduces a provision under Section 291 titled “Negligent conduct concerning animals.” This section outlines that individuals failing to take adequate measures to prevent potential harm to human life or serious injury from their pet animal may face penalties of imprisonment up to six months or fines up to Rs 5,000, or both.

Comparatively, Section 289 of the IPC mirrors the language of Section 291 in the BNS but imposes a lower fine of up to Rs 1,000, coupled with imprisonment for up to six months.

Public responses on social media platform X indicate a mixed reaction to the amended law—some express approval, while others contend that the fine remains insufficient. One user argues that the prescribed fine does not adequately cover the costs of treating injuries resulting from a pet bite.

The latest NCRB Crime in India report discloses a concerning trend, indicating a 19% increase in animal attacks in 2022 compared to 2021. Notably, there is also a rise in fatalities and injuries resulting from such attacks.

In 2022, 1,510 individuals in India succumbed to animal bites, with 1,205 men and 305 women, marking an increase from the 1,264 deaths recorded in 2021.

Additional data from a Rajya Sabha question answered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on December 15 reveals that dog bites in India surged by 26.5% in 2023, with approximately 27.6 lakh reported cases. This represents a notable increase from the 21.8 lakh reported dog bites in 2022.