Govt to set up animal welfare panels in all districts
The Delhi Government has decided to establish Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) in all 13 revenue districts of the Capital, in a major step aimed at strengthening animal welfare enforcement at the grassroots level.
The move, approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will place each SPCA under the respective District Magistrate (DM), ensuring direct administrative oversight and faster response to cases of animal cruelty. According to officials, the decision follows the recent reorganisation of revenue districts in Delhi.
The new structure is intended to improve the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, by decentralising authority and bringing enforcement closer to the ground.
Each district-level SPCA will include experts and members associated with animal welfare. These bodies will be responsible for addressing complaints, monitoring violations, and ensuring that animal protection laws are enforced effectively.
The Chief Minister said that placing district magistrates at the head of these committees will make the system more responsive. She noted that cases of animal cruelty often require immediate attention, and a district-level mechanism will help ensure quicker action and better coordination among agencies.
The Chief Minister said the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional mechanisms and improve accountability. She added that the new framework will allow authorities to monitor cases more closely and respond with greater efficiency. At the state-level, the Animal Welfare Board will function as the apex body overseeing all SPCAs. It will be responsible for monitoring implementation, providing technical guidance, and extending financial support to district units. This is expected to enhance the operational capacity of the SPCAs and ensure uniform standards across districts.
In a key structural change, the government has decided to dissolve the existing Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).
Officials said this step is aimed at streamlining the system and avoiding duplication of roles. The new framework is expected to create a more coherent and efficient structure for animal welfare governance in the city.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the combined system of the Animal Welfare Board and district SPCAs will lead to tangible improvements in animal welfare outcomes. She said the Government is committed to building a system that is both effective and accountable.
Officials believe that decentralisation will help address long-standing gaps in enforcement. With dedicated committees in each district, authorities will be better equipped to handle complaints, conduct inspections, and take timely action against violations.
The move is also expected to improve coordination between local administration, veterinary services, and law enforcement agencies. By bringing all stakeholders under a structured framework, the government aims to create a more integrated approach to animal protection.
