Outrage in Surat Over SMC’s New Pet Dog Rules

Surat, Gujarat – Dog lovers and pet dog owners in the diamond city of Surat have voiced their protest against the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) new pet dog registration rules. Following the controversial regulation banning more than one pet dog per household and consent of the neighbours, scores of dog lovers marched to the Surat Collector’s office on Thursday and submitted a signed memorandum demanding immediate rollback of the “unfair and inhumane” rules.

“Where should I throw my dogs? On the road?”

The rule that prohibits keeping more than one pet dog at home has drawn the sharpest criticism. Rakshit, a city resident who has kept four dogs since 2014, voiced his frustration: “We’ve lived with our dogs for nine years without any issues. Now SMC says we can keep only one. Where should I put the other three—on the streets? If SMC can’t manage street dogs, should we also abandon our pets?”

He added, “Our dogs are cared for like family. They’re vaccinated, clean, and never harm anyone. What problem does the municipality have with that?”

Bureaucratic harassment in registration process

While many pet owners are willing to comply with licensing norms, they have condemned the harassment and red tape involved in the registration process.

Harsh Patel, another aggrieved citizen, shared his ordeal: “We’ve collected all documents needed. But when we go to the ward office, they ask for ‘family photographs.’ What do pictures have to do with pet registration? It feels more like harassment than a civic process.”

He added that SMC staff were pushing citizens around without clarity, leaving pet owners stressed and confused.

Lack of basic facilities for animal welfare

Beyond registration woes, protestors also highlighted the dire lack of infrastructure for animal care in Surat. Dog lover Archana Doshi pointed out: “There’s no animal hospital in Surat, and only two ambulances for the whole city. When animals fall sick or get injured, who will help them?”

She questioned the SMC’s priorities: “Instead of restricting how many pets people can have, why not improve veterinary facilities and street dog management? Citizens are caring for animals while the authorities are absent.”