352 stray cats moved to Hulhumalé shelter
The minister said veterinary services have commenced at the facility, including neutering and spaying programmes.
Animal Welfare Minister Mariyam Mariya said on Tuesday that 352 stray cats have been taken to a cat shelter named Olhuhiya in Hulhumalé.
Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, the minister said additional cats are expected to be relocated to the facility in the coming weeks. She did not specify the total number of cats currently housed at the shelter.
The minister said veterinary services have commenced at the facility, including neutering and spaying programmes.
According to the figures provided, 60 cats have been neutered and five female cats have been spayed so far.
Minister Mariya had previously stated that the annual operational cost of the shelter is estimated at MVR 10 million. She said the total cost of completing the facility was MVR 1.2 million.
