The Animal Protection Act has been gazetted to impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for inhuman treatment of animals. The law, published in the Gazette on Wednesday, will come into force 90 days after publication.  
The Act states that animals can only be imported into the Maldives under certain conditions. The animal must not be prohibited and must be imported for a purpose permitted by law. Some categories require a special permit, including animals covered by the International Trade in Endangered Species Control Act, dangerous animals, animals not allowed to be kept in captivity or bred, livestock and poultry not permitted under law, animals imported for enforcement purposes under the Criminal Procedure Act, and any animal requiring a special permit under other legislation.  
Flamingoes in the mangrove at Kulhudhuffushi. (Photo/Mihaaz)
Anyone importing animals must register with the Ministry of Animal Welfare. Pet shops and other businesses selling animals commercially must also be registered under the rules of the Act. They may sell permitted land animals, insects, birds, and aquarium marine species.  
The law requires the ministry to take measures to prevent the introduction of animal diseases into the Maldives. These include conducting research to identify risks and banning the sale of infected animals in the event of an outbreak. The Act prohibits the release of stray animals in public places and makes inhuman treatment of animals punishable with fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000, depending on the severity of the offence.  
Photo shows pigeons flying in the Republic Square in the capital Male' City. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)
The law was passed at a time when the uncontrolled population of street cats has become a serious problem in Male'. Residents have complained about cat feces and other issues on many streets. A cat facility has been opened in Hulhumale' to address the problem, but no adequate solution has yet been found.