President ratifies bill guaranteeing greater protection for animals

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today ratified the Animal Protection Bill, passed by the Parliament which introduces substantial fines to facilitate the sustainable and safe rearing, breeding, and trade of animals in the Maldives.

The President's Office said that the bill, which was passed by the parliament on the 19th of last month and comprises 11 chapters, incorporates important provisions to pave the way for the safe keeping, breeding, and commercial trade of animals in the country.

The President's Office stated that the Act details:

· The procedures to be followed concerning the health of animals in care and keeping.

· The regulations for protecting animals and preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans.

· The rules governing the import, transit, and export of animals from the Maldives.

The President's Office confirmed that the Ministry to which the government assigns the responsibility will be the primary entity tasked with determining the policies related to animal welfare and protection, and with enforcing this new Act.

The Act elaborates on the responsibilities of the implementing Ministry and the duties of the local councils in enforcing the law.

"The Bill specifies the offenses under this Act that can result in action, and the measures to be taken against parties violating the law. Furthermore, the Bill outlines the opportunity and procedures for filing a complaint if one is dissatisfied with a measure taken," the President's Office stated.

The Act will come into effect 90 days from the date of its ratification.

The new Animal Protection Act establishes significant penalties for violations. Fines for causing injury to an animal or releasing a domesticated animal into public areas range from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000. For illegal import or export of animals, the penalty is a fine between MVR 5,000 and MVR 500,000. More serious offenses, such as illegal breeding or keeping of animals, forging samples, or failing to adhere to animal keeping standards, will incur a fine ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 100,000.

Furthermore, if an individual commits an act that causes the spread of a disease through animals, they will face the heaviest penalty, with a fine between MVR 10,000 and MVR 1 million.