Ministry warns against abandoning cats at shelter: Abuse or killing of cats punishable by imprisonment and MVR 50,000 fine
The Ministry has warned of strict legal action against individuals who mistreat or abandon animals on the streets, citing a rise in such incidents. According to the Ministry, perpetrators could face imprisonment and fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000. Emphasizing that ensuring animal welfare is a collective social responsibility, the Ministry further urged the public to report any acts of animal cruelty.
Cats living in the industrial zone of Male'. | Facebook / Maldivian Cataholics | Facebook/Maldivian Cataholics
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has warned that individuals found harming or killing stray cats will face imprisonment and fines of up to 50,000 Rufiyaa.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare stated on Monday that it has been receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding animal cruelty, including instances of abuse, killing, and abandonment. The Ministry emphasized that such actions are strictly unacceptable.
The Ministry emphasized that as animals are living beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and distress, treating them with compassion and ensuring their protection is a moral, religious, and legal obligation for everyone. It further noted that under the Animal Welfare Act, the basic rights of animals are legally guaranteed.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced that individuals who mistreat, abuse, kill, or abandon animals will face stringent legal action under the law, including fines and imprisonment. The Ministry further stated that specific regulations have been formulated under Article 80 of the Act, which addresses "Cruelty to Animals and the Abandonment of Animals in Public Places."
In this regard, any form of inhumane cruelty or mistreatment of animals is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the regulations forbid leaving domestic pets unattended in public spaces. The Ministry stated that violators will be subject to fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
Furthermore, the Ministry has urged all citizens to act responsibly in preventing animal cruelty and to report any such incidents to the relevant authorities without delay. The Ministry also emphasized that ensuring the welfare and protection of animals is a collective social responsibility shared by everyone.
The Ministry has warned that individuals found harming stray cats will face fines of up to MVR 50,000. This follows a police statement on Sunday confirming an investigation into an incident in HA. Hoarafushi, where a cat was intentionally abused and killed. Similar cases of animal cruelty towards cats are also frequently reported in the capital, Malé, often sparking significant public concern.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has failed to take adequate measures to ensure the safety and care of cats, or to address the ongoing issue of animal cruelty. Furthermore, despite the government seizing the cat shelter built by the Male’ City Council and handing it over to the Ministry, the failure to relocate stray cats from the streets of Male’ to the facility remains a significant concern. Although the shelter was established specifically to manage the stray cat population, the public has raised grievances over its operations. Many claim that only a small number of cats have been taken into the facility so far and that the services provided are substandard.
