Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Aishath Rameela has announced that the first group of cats will to be transported to the first ever pet care facility, "Olhuhiyaa", during this week.
Minister Dr. Rameela indicated that there are over 4,000 stray cats living in the Greater Male' Region. She emphasised that many of these cats are suffering from various health issues, and noted that gathering all the cats at once is neither practical nor safe. A plan has been developed for the gradual transportation of the cats to the facility, with each group receiving health assessments and treatment. Additionally, the cats will be registered upon arrival at the facility, aiming to decrease the population of cats without owners.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Rameel further stated that the pet care facility will also provide medical care for pet cats. She highlighted that the facility is intended not only to offer a safe environment for cats, but also to mitigate the spread of diseases and address public concerns. The minister expressed confidence that the expected outcomes will be evident if the plan is implemented effectively.
Additionally, Minister Dr. Rameela announced that the public will have the opportunity to adopt cats from the facility once it is fully operational. She also revealed that a decision has been made to temporarily suspend the importation of cats for sale. Currently, there is only one trained veterinarian in the Maldives, although some Maldivians are pursuing studies in this field. The minister assured that the facility will be managed exclusively by Maldivians in the future.
Moreover, permits have been granted to develop a permanent, four-storey building for cats. The facility will offer a range of services, including a grooming salon and care for pet cats while their owners are away.