Male’ Council to Seek Handover of Olhuhiya Shelter if Stray Cat Issue Persists
7 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 21:03The Male' City Council has passed a resolution to reclaim the "Olhuhiya" pet facility in Hulhumale' if the government fails to resolve the city's stray cat crisis within three months. Mayor Adam Azim accused the administration of negligence regarding the issue, noting that the council's decision follows mounting public concern over deteriorating street hygiene and the increasing nuisance caused by the stray cat population.
From a meeting of the Male' City Council. | Male city council
Amid the escalating issue of stray cats on the streets of Male’ City, the Male’ City Council has decided to request the transfer of the "Olhuhiya" facility to its management if the problem remains unresolved within the next three months.
The Male' City Council deliberated on the issue of stray cats roaming the streets of the capital during its session on Wednesday. Council members expressed significant concern over the prolonged lack of a solution to the problem. The council passed a resolution granting a three-month period to address the issue. If all stray cats are not relocated within this timeframe, the council will formally request that the "Olhuhiya" pet shelter facility be handed over to the Male' City Council for management.
In response to the issue, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim stated that the government is severely neglecting the stray cat crisis, leaving deceased animals on the streets and allowing public spaces to become unsanitary.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated "Olhuhiya," a dedicated cat shelter built in Hulhumale’ Phase 2 to address the stray cat population in Male’ City, on November 2, 2024.
The government reclaimed the cat facility from the Male’ City Council and transferred its management to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare on February 26, 2025. Following the dissolution of that ministry, the facility has since been moved under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
Although the Male' City Council developed the cat facility, the government seized control of "Olhuhiya" and stripped the council of its authority over the site, citing poor management. However, the council denied these allegations at the time.
Spanning 5,000 square feet, the newly established cat facility in Hulhumale’ Phase II is a comprehensive animal welfare center. The Male' City Council has developed the facility to include a dedicated quarantine zone, a veterinary clinic, and a laboratory. Additionally, the site features an on-site pharmacy for essential medications and high-quality living enclosures designed to ensure the well-being of the cats.
