The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has called on the public to refrain harming stray cats in Malé City, following reports of mistreatment and cruelty towards animals living on the streets.

According to the Ministry, several complaints have been received regarding acts of abuse, including physical harm inflicted on stray cats. Authorities have stressed that such actions are not only inhumane but also violate internationally accepted animal welfare standards.

The Ministry highlighted the importance of upholding the Five Freedoms of animal welfare: freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition; freedom from physical and thermal discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom from fear and distress; and the freedom to express natural behaviour. These principles are outlined in the Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), of which the Maldives is a signatory.

It was noted that many cats have previously been kept as domestic animals and have become accustomed to human care. When abandoned, they are often left without food, shelter, or safety, causing distress and making them more visible and vulnerable in populated areas.

The Ministry has underlined the need for a humane and systematic approach to managing the urban stray population. As part of this effort, work is underway to relocate stray cats to Olhu Hiya designed to provide them with a safe and secure environment.