Technical advice was not sought before animals were exterminated: Agriculture Ministry

Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has said that Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) did not seek technical advice from the ministry before the animals confiscated by police on Saturday were exterminated.

The ministry said this in a short statement issued today following complaints from the public after the non-native, dangerous animals smuggled into the country were exterminated by MNDF.

Agriculture Ministry said that it participated in the police operation on Saturday to seize the animals by providing technical assistance.

Deputy Spokesperson of MNDF Captain Ali Ihsan told Sun Online earlier that animals brought into the country illegally must be handed over to Defence Ministry, following which the animals will be dealt with by the ministry in line with procedure.

A group of people protested outside Children’s Park (Kudakudhinge Bageecha) in Male’ and locked up the park today shortly after reports of the animals being exterminated.

Police on Saturday conducted a countrywide search operation for dangerous animals being held as household pets. During the search, police confiscated 11 iguanas, a snake, a sugar glider, an owl, a spider and 105 mice alien to the Maldives.