Keeping a Dog In Surat Now Requires NOC From Neighbours

Surat: Pet owners in Gujarat’s Surat city will now need to secure written consent from their neighbours before bringing home a dog. In a move that has stirred debate, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has made it mandatory to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from at least ten neighbours to keep a dog in a residential property.

According to civic officials, the decision applies across both independent homes and apartment complexes. For residents living in apartments, the additional approval of the housing society’s chairperson and secretary is also required.

Authorities say the step was prompted by increasing complaints related to pet-related nuisances and safety concerns in the city. The immediate trigger appears to be the tragic death of a child in a dog attack in May, which drew public outcry and demands for regulatory action.

SMC officials said the new requirement is aimed at preventing potential inconveniences or safety risks posed by domestic pets, particularly dogs. “This decision has been taken to ensure that dog ownership does not cause trouble to others in the neighbourhood,” a senior official explained.

While some view pets as a source of companionship or security, civic authorities say the rising number of incidents involving aggressive behaviour and unregulated pet care has made stricter oversight necessary.

The directive has already sparked discussions among pet owners and housing societies, with many questioning the feasibility and fairness of requiring community consent for personal pet ownership. However, the municipal body maintains that the move is in the interest of public safety and welfare.