Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has warned that the strictest possible legal action will be taken against persons who commit acts of animal cruelty. The warning came in the wake of a case coming to light yesterday of a cat being abused and killed in HA. Hoarafushi.
A video of the killed cat has been circulating on social media. The Instagram post sharing the video wrote that the cat had been pregnant, and that photos and videos of the abuse and killing of the cat had been shared with them by a Hoarafushi resident.
Another video shows the cat being dragged after it was killed. The perpetrators then threw the body into the sea.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with three individuals questioned so far.
In response to the incident, the Animal Welfare Ministry issued a statement in which they said that they have recently been receiving an increasing number of complaints about animal cruelty and abuse, as well as neglect.
They stated that such actions are unacceptable, and will result in the strictest legal action possible.
The ministry noted that animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, fear and discomfort, and stressed that caring for and protecting them is a religious, legal and moral duty for everyone.
The ministry added that the recently enacted Animal Welfare Act, drafted to meet international standards, outlines the basic rights afforded to animals.
Basic rights afforded to animals include:
- Freedom from hunger, thirst, and starvation
- Freedom from fear and threat
- Freedom from physical discomfort
- Freedom from disease and physical trauma
- Freedom from obstacles that disrupt an animal's normal life
The ministry stated that, under this law, persons who neglect, physically abuse or kill animals can face strict legal penalties such as fines or prison time.
The law also states that legal action can be taken against persons who abandon pets in public places, or neglect them in other ways.
Any form of animal cruelty is an offence under this Act.
Based on the severity of the offence, offenders may face fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000. Some other offences under the act carry fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000.
The ministry appealed to the public to refrain from acts of animal cruelty, and to report to authorities any such incidents observed.
