The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has confirmed that over 250 cats have been removed from the streets of the Greater Malé Region and transferred to the Government-run Olhu Hiyaa. A total of 253 cats have been relocated so far, including animals that have completed their quarantine period and been moved into holding areas. The Ministry has also begun a neutering programme, which allows additional cats to be taken in as space becomes available.

As part of the initiative, the Ministry has increased the shelter’s quarantine capacity to 100 cats at a time and procured the necessary medicines, equipment, and controlled substances for surgical procedures. The clinic at Olhu Hiyaa is now registered and licensed by the MFDA for the use of anaesthetics required for veterinary care. According to officials, the initiative aims to reduce street cat overpopulation and ensure that the animals are treated humanely and with proper care.