The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated the construction of three dog shelters across the city to provide housing for rescued animals. This effort is part of a broader campaign to remove dogs from public spaces and enhance sterilization and vaccination initiatives.
Shelter Locations and Zones
The shelters will be established in three zones: West Zone (Rander), East Zone B (Sarthana), and South Zone B (Sachin). Dogs rescued from these areas will be accommodated at the respective facilities.
Rescue and Care Process
Civic officials have stated that the shelters will house dogs picked up from locations such as railway stations, hospitals, schools, and government offices. After rescue, the animals will undergo sterilization and vaccination before being transferred to the shelters. Importantly, they will not be released back to the sites from which they were taken.
Targeted Locations and Security Measures
The civic body has identified approximately 800 such locations for the drive. Nodal officers have been appointed for each site, and relevant authorities have been directed to install fencing and enhance security at entry points to prevent dog movements on the premises.
Sterilization Efforts and Statistics
Currently, an agency engaged by the SMC is carrying out sterilization work with a team of three veterinary doctors, three dog-catching vehicles, and six field teams. Since 2021, the civic body has sterilized 58,960 dogs.
Dog Census and Monitoring
The SMC has also initiated a dog census. An SMC official explained, “The census will help us know the exact number of dogs in the city and how many of them are sterilized. Currently, the agency hired for animal birth control has a target to sterilize 30,000 dogs over two years.” The sterilization process is being monitored by the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee and the Organ Inspection Committee. Anti-rabies vaccines are available at 74 civic health centers and two hospitals.
Impact on Dog Population
Officials noted a significant reduction in the number of puppies in the city, which they attribute to effective sterilization. They added that effective sterilization in surrounding rural areas can prevent the dog population from increasing again in the city.
