NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government will constitute animal welfare committees in all 11 districts to prevent cruelty against animals, officials said.
The committees, to be established as Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs), will be set up across all revenue districts following their recent reorganisation. Each SPCA will be headed by the respective district magistrate, ensuring faster response to cases of animal cruelty. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving animal protection systems. She noted that protecting animals is a hallmark of a sensitive and responsible society and said that decentralising authority would improve implementation of laws.
The SPCAs will function under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and include experts and members associated with animal welfare organisations. With district magistrates leading these bodies, authorities expect quicker resolution of complaints, better monitoring, and improved coordination among stakeholders.
At the state level, the Animal Welfare Board will serve as the apex body, overseeing the functioning of district SPCAs. It will be responsible for monitoring implementation, as well as providing technical and financial support to strengthen district-level operations. In a significant structural change, the government has also decided to dissolve the Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which currently operates separately. Officials said the move is intended to streamline systems and eliminate duplication of roles.
