Olhu Hiyaa currently houses 258 cats: Ministry

Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has clarified that, contrary to rumours, the cat shelter Olhu Hiyaa currently houses not only 30 cats, but rather 258. 

Speaking last Wednesday, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim said that despite a shelter having been set up for stray cats, the council still receives complaints about their growing presence on Male' streets, which has made roads unhygienic with cat excretion. Azim claimed that the shelter accommodates only 30 cats, adding he has asked for it to be handed over to the council, as MVR 30 million is being spent on those cats alone, with no impact on street cat numbers. 

A media official from the Animal Welfare Ministry clarified that, at present, Olhu Hiyaa is housing 258 cats, including 30 that were removed from Vilimale' streets last month. 

The Male' City Council and the ministry began efforts to develop the cat shelter at Hulhumale' Farukolhufushi area in March 2024, with the place being inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in November. 

Olhu Hiyaa was built through funds from the City Council's budget, and the shelter was initially planned to be managed by the council. 

However, a later cabinet decision transferred management of the shelter to the Animal Welfare Ministry.