Maldives Enacts Animal Welfare Law with Fines Up to $65,000 for Abuse

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the comprehensive Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Bill on Wednesday, establishing a strict new regulatory framework for animal care, trade, and welfare nationwide. The landmark legislation introduces significant financial penalties for offenses, with a particular focus on addressing the growing public concern over abandoned domestic animals. The new law creates robust standards for the safe and sustainable breeding, keeping, and trade of animals while ensuring their health and wellbeing. A key provision targets animal abandonment, with individuals found injuring an animal or releasing a stray in public places facing fines ranging from $324 to $3,242. The Act establishes a strong regulatory framework for biosecurity and commerce, mandating registration for importing animals and trading animal feed and medicines. Policy formulation and execution responsibilities fall to the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. The government must also establish necessary infrastructure, including port quarantine facilities and animal sanctuaries at import points. Penalties reflect offense severity, with spreading disease through animals carrying the heaviest fines—from $648 up to $64,850. Illegal import and export activities face penalties between $324 and $32,425, while violations like illegal breeding, sample fraud, or breaches of husbandry standards incur fines from $648 to $6,485. The Act will come into force 90 days after ratification, providing authorities and the public time to prepare for these sweeping new regulations that represent a significant step forward in animal protection for the Maldives.