Foundation laid for pet care facility in Hulhumale'

First Lady Sajida Mohamed has inaugurated the ground-breaking ceremony of the pet care facility in Hulhumale’.

The ceremony was held at the project site in Hulhumalé Phase II, on Thursday evening.

During the ceremony, First Lady Sajida and Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim laid the initial foundation for the facility.

The facility aims to address issues stemming from the growing stray cat population in parks, streets, and other public areas in the Greater Male’ region. This entails protecting cats from harm, injuries, and diseases, providing a secure haven for them to thrive in, and safeguarding the general population from illnesses brought on by an overabundance of cats in public spaces.

The building will offer several amenities, including a play area, clinic, pharmacy, lab, shelter, and sufficient medical treatment under one roof. Additionally, the institution ensures the provision of high-quality medical treatment for domestic cats.

Technical works on the facility is undertaken by the Animal Welfare Ministry, while the physical works is carried out by the Male’ City Council.

A 5,000 square feet plot has been allocated from Farukolhufushi to develop the facility.

Azim estimates there are some 3,000 stray cats in the capital, with the population expected to grow to 9,000 by the end of the year.

According to the President’s Office, the facility endeavors to offer a long-term solution to the issues brought on by the Greater Male’ region's growing stray cat population.

Establishing a facility to ensure animal welfare is among President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledges.