The Malé City Council has allocated a budget of MVR 1.9 million to establish a temporary facility for the shelter and care of cats.
The facility spanning 1,000 square aims to provide proper care and neutering services to both stray or undomesticated cats and domesticated cats in the city. According to the council, the facility will be developed at Malé Fishermen's Park.
In addition to neutering, the temporary facility will also provide other services for the animals, including X-ray and blood testing.
Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the project will involve procuring all necessary equipment to develop the facility as a veterinary shelter. He said that the facility will also provide clinical consultation, check-ups, and treatment for cats.
The City Council's north-Galolhu member Mohamed Saif Fathih said that the council will charge MVR 1,500 to neuter cats, which is intended to cover aftercare services provided by the council.
"The Ministry of Fisheries used to charge only MVR 300 for cat neutering services provided at Vilimalé, but they did not provide any aftercare services. However, the council will charge MVR 1,500 for neutering services and ensure that the cats receive care for four or five days after the procedure, which includes feeding and medication," Saif said.
The council has also planned to fit a collar with a microchip on each neutered cat, which will enable the authority to easily monitor the animals. The council also said that it will register each cat brought in for neutering.
The council will hire veterinarians, nurses, two council staff, and four additional staff via public announcement to manage the facility and its services.
The City Council is planning to seek private contractors to develop a cat facility in Vilimalé for which a private party has expressed interest after the council failed to attract any contractors three times previously.
The Mayor suggested that the ideal location for a permanent cat facility could be in Hulhumalé Phase II.
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