Want A Dog? You’ll Need 10 Neighbours And A President To Say Yes First

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 11:23 IST

Surat now requires residents to get consent from 10 neighbours and the society head to keep a dog, triggering protests from animal lovers

This rule has seen stricter enforcement following the recent tragic death of a four-month-old girl in Ahmedabad reportedly due to a dog attack. (News18)

Owning a pet dog in the Diamond City of Surat in Gujarat is no longer a simple, personal choice; it now demands formal consent from neighbours. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has introduced a new regulation requiring written consent from at least 10 neighbours and the society president before a dog licence can be granted.

Stricter Enforcement Following Tragic Incident

This rule has seen stricter enforcement following the recent tragic death of a four-month-old girl in Ahmedabad reportedly due to a dog attack. In response, the SMC has decided to tighten regulations surrounding pet ownership.

What Are The Legal Requirements For Keeping A Dog?

To legally keep a dog in Surat, residents must now provide:

1. Written consent from 10 neighbours
2. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the society president or housing committee
3. A copy of the Aadhaar card
4. A property tax receipt or tenancy agreement
5. A notarised affidavit
6. A photo of the dog
7. The dog’s vaccination certificate

While this rule was originally passed by the SMC’s general body in 2008, it is only now being enforced strictly.

Why The Rule Was Introduced

According to municipal officials, pet-related disputes often escalate into police cases, with the Municipal Corporation becoming involved. By requiring a licence, the aim is to hold pet owners accountable and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Backlash From Animal Rights Groups

The new regulation has drawn sharp criticism from dog lovers and animal welfare groups, who claim it infringes on constitutional rights and unfairly places pet ownership at the mercy of neighbours.

Ashit Gandhi, board director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Surat, stated,

“It is legally wrong to require a NOC from 10 neighbours and the society president. The foundation of this rule is actually based on a resolution meant for buffaloes."

Activism And Public Response

In protest, many dog lovers across Surat are conducting awareness drives, signature campaigns, and submitting memorandums to the SMC. They argue that while public safety is important, the current policy introduces bureaucratic hurdles and unfairly targets responsible pet owners.

Location :

Surat, India, India

First Published:

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