Discussions underway on ‘cat island’ project, minister says
The proposal comes as the government continues efforts to manage the stray cat population in the Greater Malé region.
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The government is evaluating a proposal from an international party to develop an island dedicated to housing and caring for cats, Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Shiyam said discussions were under way on the proposal, which he described as a potential alternative to keeping cats in enclosed shelters.
Responsibility for animal welfare currently falls under the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
Shiyam said developing an island with facilities for cats could attract interest from organisations and individuals involved in animal welfare internationally.
“This is a proposal submitted by an international party. We hope that if this project succeeds, it will be very welcome news for the pet and cat welfare community,” Shiyam said.
The proposal comes as the government continues efforts to manage the stray cat population in the Greater Malé region.
Establishing a cat shelter in Hulhumalé was included among the government’s first 100-day pledges as part of efforts to address the number of stray cats in Malé.
The Olhu Hiyaa cat shelter was subsequently established in Hulhumalé, but its operations have faced problems related to capacity and the care of animals. A number of cats housed at the facility have died, prompting concerns over conditions at the shelter.
Shiyam said work was now under way to expand Olhu Hiyaa. Once the expansion is completed, the shelter is expected to have capacity for up to 500 cats.
According to figures disclosed at Tuesday’s press conference, 281 cats are currently housed at Olhu Hiyaa. The Fisheries Ministry had reported in March that the facility was housing 352 cats.
Of the 281 cats currently at the shelter, 12 have been sterilised, Shiyam said.
A further 35 cats were brought to the facility during the past month.
The minister did not provide details on the proposed location of the “Cat Island”, the international party behind the proposal, the estimated cost of the project or a timeline for its development.
