Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the formation of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) committees across all 13 revenue districts on April 2, 2026. This decision follows the reorganization of the city’s districts and aims to strengthen animal welfare at the local level. These committees will operate under the legal framework of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to ensure strict enforcement of protection laws.
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How will the new district SPCA committees function?
The new structure is designed to bring animal protection monitoring closer to the residents. Each committee will have a specific leadership and membership pattern to ensure accountability and expertise in handling animal welfare issues.
- Every district committee will be headed by the respective District Magistrate (DM) of that area.
- The committees will include subject matter experts and members who are actively associated with animal welfare organizations.
- District Magistrates will oversee the monitoring and coordination to address animal cruelty cases more swiftly.
- The Animal Welfare Board will act as the top body to provide technical and financial support to these district units.
Key changes in Delhi’s animal protection framework
The Delhi government is streamlining the entire process to make it more responsive. With the formation of these 13 committees, the existing Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) will be dissolved. This transition marks a shift from a centralized system to a district-wise approach. This change is linked to the earlier decision on December 12, 2025, when the CM reorganized Delhi into 13 revenue districts to improve administrative efficiency. The government believes that local committees can respond faster to ground-level reports of animal neglect or abuse.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CM Rekha Gupta took oath | February 20, 2025 |
| District Reorganization Announcement | December 12, 2025 |
| SPCA Committees Announcement | April 2, 2026 |
| Governing Act Enacted | 1960 |