The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has officially begun operations at the Olhuhiyaa Cat Shelter, now providing care for 30 stray cats rescued from the streets of Malé City.
The facility, located on a 5,000-square-foot plot in Hulhumalé, is the first of its kind in the Maldives and was developed by the government as part of a broader initiative to address the growing population of stray animals in urban areas. The shelter was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in November 2024 and later handed over to the Ministry by the Malé City Council on February 26.
Although operations were initially delayed due to the need for structural enhancements—including strengthening the cat enclosures—the Ministry confirmed on Sunday that renovations have now been completed and the shelter is fully operational.
The Olhuhiyaa shelter has been designed as a comprehensive care facility for cats, featuring a dedicated quarantine area, veterinary clinic, laboratory, pharmacy, and separate living spaces to ensure the wellbeing of its feline residents.
Authorities have described the shelter as a significant step toward humane stray animal management, and the Ministry is expected to continue expanding its services in the months ahead.
