Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is constructing three dog shelters across the city as part of its efforts to manage the stray dog population, improve public safety, and strengthen sterilization and vaccination measures.

The shelters are being developed in the West Zone (Rander), East Zone B (Sarthana), and South Zone B (Sachin). Stray dogs rescued from these areas will be housed at the respective facilities.

According to civic officials, the shelters will accommodate dogs rescued from sensitive public locations such as railway stations, hospitals, schools, and government offices. After being rescued, the dogs will undergo sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination before being shifted to the shelters. Unlike the existing practice, they will not be released back to the locations from which they were picked up.

The civic body has identified nearly 800 locations for the drive. Nodal officers have been appointed for each site, while the authorities concerned have been instructed to install fencing and strengthen security at entry points to prevent stray dogs from entering the premises. DeshGujarat