In the light of the decision given by Hon'ble Supreme Court, New Delhi on PIL No. 440/2000, Government Order No. 531/XV/ Animal Husbandry /2004-4/2004 dated Dehradun to implement the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 in the state. 'Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board' was constituted on 23 November 2004.

Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are predominantly in the plain area, Dehradun and Nainital are partially plain, and remaining nine districts of Almora, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Bageshwar, Pauri, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi are entirely hilly. The state has a large geographical area of 53484 sq km with a population of 84.79 lakhs (2001 census) with a population density of 159 persons per sq km. About 74 % population resides in rural areas and 47.2 % of the total population lives below poverty line. Land holdings in the state are largely rainfed, marginal and fragmented. Out of the total area of the state 67 % of the land is reserve forest.