Delhi Government launches new animal welfare initiative to combat cruelty

The Delhi Government is taking a significant step to protect animals by establishing new district-level Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) in all 13 revenue districts. This move aims to reduce overlap between agencies and make responses to animal cruelty complaints quicker.

Each SPCA will be led by a District Magistrate and will include experts and representatives from animal welfare organizations. The committees will operate under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and will handle complaints, monitor cruelty cases, and coordinate local animal welfare work.

The state-level Animal Welfare Board will supervise the SPCAs, providing technical and financial support to enhance their capacity. The existing Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) will be dissolved to streamline the structure. “Protecting animals is a mark of a sensitive and responsible society,” said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The initiative aims to make Delhi a more humane and accountable city.