NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to constitute Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) in all 13 revenue districts of the capital in a move to strengthen animal welfare at the grassroots level. Each committee will be headed by the respective District Magistrate (DM), the officials said.
The decision follows the recent reorganisation of revenue districts and aims to ensure more effective implementation of animal protection laws at the district level. These SPCAs will function under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and will include experts and members associated with animal welfare.
CM Rekha Gupta stated that with DMs leading these committees, cases of animal cruelty can be addressed more swiftly, with improved monitoring and coordination at the ground level. This, she said, will make the overall system more responsive and effective.
At the state level, the Animal Welfare Board will serve as the apex body overseeing the entire framework. It will monitor the implementation of laws and provide technical and financial support to district SPCAs, enhancing their capacity.
The Chief Minister also clarified that with the new system in place, the separately functioning Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) will be dissolved. The move is expected to streamline the structure, making it more coherent and efficient.
She added that the combined framework of the state Animal Welfare Board and district SPCAs will not only strengthen institutional mechanisms but also deliver tangible improvements in animal welfare outcomes across the capital. “Protecting animals is a mark of a sensitive and responsible society,” she said, expressing confidence that these steps will help make Delhi a more humane and accountable city
In another development, the Delhi government has approved the creation of nine posts of Wildlife Inspector (Direct Recruitment) in the Department of Forests and Wildlife. These posts, placed in Level-6 (Rs 35,400–Rs 1,12,400) of the Pay Matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission, have been officially notified. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection amid growing urban environmental challenges.
Separately functioning societies to be dissolved
The Chief Minister also clarified that with the new system in place, the separately functioning Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) will be dissolved. The move is expected to streamline the structure, making it more coherent and efficient.