On Monday, the Animal Welfare Ministry warned the public that those who mistreat, kill, or abandon animals may encounter fines and jail time.

The Ministry observed a rise in grievances regarding the mistreatment, killing, and physical abuse of animals, labeling such actions as “entirely unacceptable.”

Highlighting that animals are sentient creatures, the Ministry asserted that demonstrating kindness towards them is a humanitarian and religious obligation.

It further clarified that the Animal Welfare Act provides animals with numerous fundamental rights, such as freedom from hunger and thirst, fear and anxiety, physical discomfort, along with safeguarding against pain, injury, and illness. The Act also guarantees that animals are able to exhibit their instinctive behaviors.

The Ministry cautioned that individuals convicted of mistreating, abusing, killing, or abandoning animals will encounter severe legal repercussions as mandated by law, which may include hefty fines and potential jail time.

As stated by the Ministry, the law prohibits all types of cruelty and neglect, imposing fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000 based on the severity of the violation.

In its announcement, the Ministry urged the community to take accountability in stopping animal mistreatment and encouraged individuals to quickly report instances of cruelty to the relevant authorities.

This alert comes after a continuous police inquiry into a situation involving a cat that was intentionally injured and killed in HA. Hoarafushi.

A video that recently appeared on social media depicted a cat being pulled by a rope around its neck, igniting significant public anger and condemnation.

On Sunday, the Police reported that the incident came to their notice last Thursday night around 19:06pm. The authorities have interrogated three persons related to the case, documenting their testimonies as part of the current inquiry.