Surat Pet Owners Demand Overhaul of ‘Unfair’ Dog Licensing Rules

Surat: A wave of discontent is sweeping through Surat’s pet-loving community, as dog owners rally against what they call the “unlawful and burdensome” licensing rules enforced by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The newly formed Dogs Owner Welfare Committee (DOWC) is calling for an immediate review and overhaul of the current dog registration process.

At the heart of the controversy is the application form and fee structure introduced by the SMC, which pet owners argue do not comply with state government laws or guidelines. The DOWC, in a memorandum submitted to the district collector, has highlighted several requirements they consider both excessive and unreasonable. 

Among these requirements are the need for ‘No Objection’ Certificates (NOCs) from ten neighbours, a rule limiting households to only one dog, and a demand for an undertaking on stamp paper. According to the committee, these stipulations are legally questionable and create unnecessary obstacles for responsible pet owners.

Frustration among Surat’s dog owners has been mounting as many find the current system overly complicated and restrictive. The DOWC’s memorandum goes further, calling for accountability and urging action against the officials responsible for issuing what they describe as an ‘illegal’ form. The committee has pointed to other cities, such as Ahmedabad and Navsari, where the pet registration process is more streamlined and user-friendly, as potential models for Surat to follow.

Ashit Gandhi, a board member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Surat, explained the steps the committee has taken. “We have formed a committee to address the issue of the SMC’s illegal dog license process. We met the district collector, who is chairman of the district committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. We asked his permission to raise the issue with the SMC and he approved,” he said. Gandhi added that the committee plans to meet with the municipal commissioner to share their concerns, especially since previous appeals to SMC officials have gone unanswered.

The demands of Surat’s pet owners are clear; they want the immediate cancellation of the current licensing form and fee structure, the removal of excessive requirements such as multiple NOCs and stamp paper undertakings, and the adoption of a transparent, accessible, and legally compliant process that respects their rights as responsible pet owners. As the DOWC continues its advocacy, the city’s pet community is clearly determined to see fairer and more sensible rules being enforced.