352 cats taken into facility so far; further transfers planned for next week

Animal Welfare Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya, on Tuesday, said 352 cats have been taken into the Olhu Hiyaa pet care facility in Hulhumale’ Farukolhufushi, with further transfers scheduled for next week.

Since its inauguration in November 2024, the facility has been subject to public scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning the slow pace of relocating cats. Concerns persist as the issue of the stray cat population remains unresolved despite the facility being operational.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Minister Mariya provided detailed updates on the facility’s progress. She noted that the onsite veterinary clinic has begun operations, with a primary focus on population control measures, including sterilization.

The Minister reported that, to date, 60 male cats have been neutered and five female cats have undergone spaying procedures. These surgical interventions form part of a broader strategy aimed at effectively managing and stabilizing the stray cat population.

Additionally, the Minister presented specific data regarding the cats currently housed and cared for at the facility.

"To date, 352 cats have been relocated to the facility, with plans already in place to transfer additional cats during the coming week,” she detailed.

The Minister’s update follows remarks made in late January by Malé City Mayor Adam Azim, who expressed serious concern over the growing stray cat population and the sanitation challenges it has created in the capital.

The Mayor stated that the government cannot justify the continued presence of feline waste on the streets of Malé. He further revealed that the Malé City Council had formally requested, on two occasions, that management of the cat facility be transferred to the council.

Last May, Minister Mariya outlined the projected financial implications of operating the facility. Based on its total budget, the estimated expenditure per cat is 368 Rufiyaa per month, equivalent to 5,416 Rufiyaa annually for each animal.