A Surat resident has approached the police, demanding legal action against the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) after a team from its marketing department allegedly captured his pet dog, leading to its disappearance and presumed death. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the protocols followed by civic authorities.
How the Family Pet Was Taken
The complainant, Sunilkumar Singh, stated in his application to the Icchapore Police that the incident occurred on December 29, 2025, at around 9:45 am. A dog-catching team from the SMC's marketing department allegedly captured his female Pomeranian dog from the lawn area outside his house in Surat. Singh was at work at the time and only discovered his pet was missing when he returned home in the evening.
Alarmed, Singh checked the CCTV footage from his own house and his neighbours' cameras. The video evidence reportedly showed two youths using a net tied to a stick to catch the dog before carrying it away to an SMC vehicle. The team left the location without informing any family members or neighbours about their action.
The Search for Answers and Official Admission
The following day, on December 30, a distressed Singh went to the SMC market department office to inquire about his beloved pet. During his interactions with officials there, he claims they admitted that "lower-level contractual staff" had mistakenly caught the pet dog. This admission, however, did not lead to the recovery of the animal.
With no information on the dog's whereabouts or well-being, Singh formally submitted an application to the Icchapore Police on January 1, 2026, seeking the registration of an offence against those involved in what he describes as the "death of his pet."
Police Probe and Emotional Appeal
Ichhapore Police Inspector AC Gohil confirmed that they have received the application and initiated an investigation. "We have started a probe to get information about what actually happened," Gohil said. He added, "It is unknown whether the pet is alive or dead. Once we take statements from all the suspects, the picture will be clear."
Speaking about the trauma, Sunilkumar Singh emotionally recounted his five-year bond with the dog. "I have been taking care of the Pomeranian for the last five years. We call my pet 'Jadiben' and it was like my child," he said. He emphasised that the dog was taken from his private property without any notification. "I still don't know whether my pet is dead or alive," he lamented.
Repeated attempts to get a comment from officials of the SMC market department via phone calls were unsuccessful. The case highlights the potential consequences of procedural lapses in municipal operations and the deep emotional distress caused to pet owners.
