Council asked to transfer stray cat centre to ministry
Azim clarified that the council had addressed most of the concerns raised.
Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has requested Male City Council to transfer the management of the newly opened centre for stray cats to the ministry.
The facility, inaugurated last month by President Mohamed Muizzu, has raised concerns from the ministry regarding its current arrangements. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry highlighted certain shortcomings at the centre and advised delaying the relocation of animals there.
Male Mayor Adam Azim, affiliated with the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), confirmed to Atoll Times that the council received the ministry’s letter on Tuesday evening. The letter, he said, informed the council that the cabinet had decided to hand over the facility to the ministry.
“The council made significant efforts to build, open, and operate this facility. Today, we received a letter in the evening stating that the cabinet has decided to transfer it to the ministry,” Azim said.
He added that the council would address the notice at its upcoming meeting, where a decision on the matter would be made.
“The council has invested considerable resources and effort into this. We will discuss and decide during tomorrow’s council meeting. I will include this in the agenda,” he stated.
In response to the ministry's claim of incomplete arrangements at the centre, Azim clarified that the council had addressed most of the concerns raised.
“Veterinarians have been arranged, and many necessary facilities have been established. Only minor matters remain unresolved,” he said.
The ministry’s statement did not explicitly mention the request to transfer the facility but noted concerns about the adequacy of care for animals at the centre. It advised delaying the relocation of stray cats until these issues are addressed.
While the mayor of the council belongs to the MDP, the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) holds a majority in the council. The final decision on the transfer is expected after the council deliberates the matter.
