The project to develop a pet care facility for stray cats living in the streets of Male' was inaugurated today.
An area of 5000 square feet has been allocated for the facility from 18,000 square feet of land managed by the Animal Welfare Ministry in Hulhumale' phase 2.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the ministry and the Male' city council. Mayor Adam Azim said work will begin today to put up fences on the land.
He said the work to put up fences will conclude in 20 days and work to construct the building is scheduled to begin next week.
The facility will be complete within the next month or two, he said, adding that the stray cats will be transferred to the facility and neutered.
Noting that stray cats have caused a lot of issues for the people living in Male', Villimale' and Hulhumale', Azim said love and compassion should be fostered in society and showing love for animals is important.
"I can also see how these cats are struggling. So I don't believe cats or birds should live in a society where they don't get compassion," Azim said.
"The government is very much insisting on expediting this work. So we are working with the entire city council together with all the employees involved."
The Ministry of Animal Welfare is providing technical assistance to the city council. Azim thanked the State and Deputy Minister and Minister Aishath Rameela for the assistance.
