President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday ratified the comprehensive Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Bill, ushering in a new era of strict regulation for animal care, trade, and welfare across the nation.
The landmark legislation introduces significant financial penalties for various offenses, notably targeting the dumping of domestic animals—a growing public concern.
The newly enacted law aims to establish robust rules and standards to facilitate the safe and sustainable breeding, keeping, and trade of animals, while simultaneously ensuring the health and well-being of all animals kept within the country’s borders. A key provision addresses public complaints regarding abandoned pets with individuals found injuring an animal or releasing a stray animal in public places can now face fines ranging from USD 324.25 to USD 3,242.54.
Beyond general welfare, the Act establishes a strong regulatory framework for bio-security and commerce. It mandates registration for crucial activities, including the importation of animals, the trade of animal feed and medicines, and the possession of certain items. To enforce these standards, the Bill places the responsibility for formulating policy and executing the law squarely on the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. Additionally, the government is required to establish necessary infrastructure, including port quarantine facilities and dedicated animal sanctuaries at ports where animals are imported.
Penalties outlined in the bill reflect the severity of certain offenses. Spreading disease through animals carries the most severe fine, ranging from USD 648.50 up to USD 64,850.84. Misconduct concerning commercial activity is also heavily penalised, with illegal import and export subject to fines between USD 324.25 and USD 32,425.42. Lesser violations, such as illegal breeding, sample fraud, or breaches of animal husbandry standards, will incur fines from USD 648.50 to USD 6,485.08.
Though the bill has been ratified, the Act will come into force 90 days from the date of its ratification, giving authorities and the public time to prepare for the sweeping new regulations.