Government has formally requested the Male' City Council to transfer control of the newly built pet care facility, Olhu Hiyaa, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. This request was made on Tuesday following discussions about the facility's operations.

In a statement issued later that evening, the Ministry of Animal Welfare announced a temporary pause on bringing cats to the facility as operational arrangements are finalised. The Ministry also noted that the council had not yet responded to the proposed guidelines for animal care at the facility.

Male' Mayor Adam Azim confirmed that the City Council had received the transfer request and would review the directive. He pointed out that the council had made significant investments in the facility and was preparing to start its operations.

The request follows a Cabinet decision and comes just weeks after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated Olhu Hiyaa, which was established to care for stray cats in the Male' region. Prior to this transfer request, the Ministry had held consultations with the City Council to address the operational concerns.