Agreement signed to build a cat shelter in Hulhumale’

Male’ City Council and the Animal Welfare Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, to build a temporary cat shelter in Hulhumale’.

The MoU was signed by Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim and State Minister Hussain Ismail.

According to the Animal Welfare Ministry, the shelter will be built on a 5,000 square feet plot in Farukolhufushi.

It seeks to resolve the issue of the growing stray cat population in greater Male’ area.

Azim estimates there are some 3,000 stray cats in the capital.

“We estimate that these 3,000 cats will turn to 9,000 cats by the end of this year, if we fail to attend to it,” he said.

He also thanked the government for its cooperation for the project.

Meanwhile, Hussain Ismail said that the government’s long-term plan is to turn the temporary cat shelter into a pet care facility.

“This is will done within 12 to 18 months. By the time its done, the place will have cat cafes or cat hotels, clinics, and also stalls,” he said.