Animal welfare groups report deteriorating conditions at cat shelter
Their inspection report, released on Thursday, found that 51 cats had died at the facility over the past month.
Top Stories
-
Pres says death penalty will deter drug smuggling in Maldives
-
Serious crime suspects can't be released 'in 5 mins': President
-
Police identify 5 arrested in Addu in major drug network bust
-
Govt may allow return of 1-bedroom flats for reapplication: Pres
-
President says many public requests addressed, more under review
The condition of ‘Olhuhiya’, the government-run cat shelter established to house stray cats from the streets of Malé, has deteriorated, according to a joint report by four animal welfare organisations.
Representatives from Nine Lives Maldives, Welfare for Island Cats, Zoophilist Society of Maldives, and Care for Paws visited the shelter on Sunday to assess the situation. Their inspection report, released on Thursday, found that 51 cats had died at the facility over the past month.
According to the report, the number of cats at the shelter was 127 on 15 September, with 8 additional cats brought in since then. The total now stands at 84. Ministry officials and volunteers at the site were unable to explain the cause of the high number of deaths.
The organisations observed a high incidence of infectious diseases among the cats, noting that infected and healthy animals were being kept together. Other issues highlighted in the report include:
-
Unneutered male and female cats housed in the same kennels.
-
An outbreak of mycoplasma, with limited access to suitable antibiotics.
-
The current veterinarian, who joined a month ago, is unaware of previous treatment or vaccination records.
-
Cleaning staff using the same gloves and brushes across cages, posing a high risk of cross-contamination.
-
Unlabelled disinfectants found in quarantine areas.
-
Feeding scoops allegedly separated for quarantine and outdoor kennels, but this could not be confirmed.
The report concluded that the facility lacks proper hygiene protocols and clear health records for the animals. The four organisations have urged the authorities to improve conditions, ensure accurate medical documentation, and make the health status of the cats publicly available.
