Maldives to Impose Temporary Ban on Import of Cats

The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Aishath Rameela, has announced a forthcoming temporary ban on the import of cats for commercial purposes. 

This measure is part of an initiative to manage the domesticated animal population following an amended Animal Welfare Bill, which is currently under review by the Attorney General’s Office.

advertisement

ދަނޑުވެރިކަމުގެ ސަރަޙައްދުގައި ހައްދާނެތަކެއްޗާއި އިމްޕޯޓު މަދުކުރެވޭނެ ނިސްބަތް ދެނެގަނެވިއްޖެ: ވަޒީރު ޑރ. ރަމީލާ pic.twitter.com/dcodKPpV5c— PSM News (@psmnewsmv) November 4, 2024

In an appearance on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu programme, Minister Rameela outlined the new strategy, which includes a plan for the public to adopt cats from the ‘Olhu Hiyaa’ pet care facility. This facility, located in Hulhumale’ Phase II, was inaugurated on Saturday and is intended to house stray cats from the capital, Male’. The Minister clarified that while individuals will still be able to import cats for personal use, imports intended for sale will be temporarily restricted.

Minister Rameela further explained that the Olhu Hiyaa facility is a temporary solution, with plans already underway for a more permanent, four-story pet care centre set to begin development next year. The Finance Ministry has approved funding for this project, which will also offer cat-sitting services to assist pet owners travelling abroad.

According to Minister Rameela, Male’ is currently home to an estimated 4,000 stray cats. To manage this population, the first group of cats is expected to be transferred to Olhu Hiyaa within the week. The facility will register all incoming animals, and each cat’s health status will be assessed. Neutering will also be conducted to control the rising cat population.

Due to varying health conditions among the stray cats, the relocation will be executed in stages. Minister Rameela underscored that a comprehensive plan has been developed to ensure that this transition is safe and manageable.