President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Animal Welfare Bill (Act No. 23/2025).
The Bill was passed by the 20th People’s Majlis during its 22nd sitting of the third session of 2025, held on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
Comprising 11 chapters, the Act establishes the framework for the keeping, breeding, and trading of animals in the Maldives. It outlines standards for animal health, protocols for preventing zoonotic diseases, and regulations governing the import, export, and transport of animals, along with other related guidelines.
The primary responsibility for determining policies on animal welfare and safety, as well as implementing the Act, lies with the Ministry mandated to oversee animal health policies at any given time. It also details the specific responsibilities of local councils regarding enforcement.
The Act further specifies measures to be taken against those who violate its provisions or the regulations made under it and sets out procedures for lodging complaints and appealing actions taken under the law.
Following ratification, the Act has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into force within 90 days of its publication.