The Central Government hereby further extends the term of the existing Animal Welfare Board of India.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued Notification S.O. 6032(E) extending the term of the existing Animal Welfare Board of India for six months beyond 14 Nov 2026, i.e. until 14 May 2027 or until a new board is constituted, whichever comes first. The extension applies to all animal‑welfare stakeholders – state governments, municipal bodies, police, NGOs, gaushalas, pet shops, breeders, citizens and community animal feeders – by keeping the Board’s advisory, regulatory and funding functions in force during the interim. The notice relies on sub‑section (1) of section 4 and section 5A of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; a sub‑section is a smaller part of a larger section that details a specific power. In practice, the continuation means that existing schemes such as stray‑dog sterilisation, animal‑shelter inspections and welfare guidelines will not lapse, and feeders can still cite Board recommendations when dealing with local authorities. The Gazette records the earlier reconstitution notifications (S.O. 2222(E) 15 May 2023 and subsequent amendments) and notes the current extension as “for a period of six months beyond the 14 Nov 2026”. This ensures uninterrupted governance of animal‑welfare policy until a new Board is appointed.