SMC to conduct citywide dog population survey to assess sterilisation impact

Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to conduct a comprehensive dog population survey in the city, with preparations now in the final stage. The survey will be carried out in compliance with Supreme Court directives and aims to assess the impact of the sterilisation programme implemented over the past few years.SMC officials said an organisation authorised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) will be appointed to conduct the survey to ensure accuracy. The exercise is expected to continue for around six months, following which a detailed report will be prepared to determine the current dog population and project future growth trends.As part of the survey, the city will be divided into multiple zones. Teams of trained surveyors will visit roads and public areas to record the number of dogs, their sex, approximate age, and sterilisation status. Puppies will also be counted. After completing work in one zone, the teams will move on to the next.To maintain accuracy and save time, data will be uploaded on the spot using hand-held devices. This will also help the civic body map the exact locations of dogs across the city.In the last five years, around 55,000 dogs have been sterilised in Surat. According to estimates, the city currently has about 1.5 lakh dogs, nearly 70% of which have already been sterilised. "Sterilisation has been ongoing for several years, but the drive was intensified in the last two years. The survey will help us ascertain the actual numbers and plan future measures," an SMC official said.Apart from assessing population figures, the survey will also assist the civic body in planning shelter homes and implementing measures to ensure that stray dogs do not create a nuisance in public spaces, as directed by the court.