parliament Accepts 'Animal Protection Bill' with Fines, Sends to Committee

The People's Majlis has accepted the "Animal Keeping and Protection Bill," which includes provisions for fines of up to 50,000 rufiyaa for animal abuse. The bill has been sent to the committee for further review after being debated and passed unanimously by the 43 members who participated in the vote.

The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Mohamed Abdurrahman, the member for Hinnavaru constituency, proposes that fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 rufiyaa be imposed for the abuse of domesticated or stray animals. This fine amount would vary depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, it includes provisions for fines between 10,000 and 1,000,000 rufiyaa for actions that could spread diseases through animals.

The bill also addresses animal importation and exportation, stipulating fines ranging from 5,000 to 500,000 rufiyaa for violations related to the movement of animals across borders in the Maldives. Other penalties include fines between 10,000 and 100,000 rufiyaa for offenses related to breeding and keeping animals illegally, falsifying animal samples, or violating established animal keeping standards.

The bill aims to ensure sustainable, safe animal keeping and trade in the Maldives while setting guidelines to protect public health from diseases transmitted by animals. It also establishes clear conditions for the importation of animals into the country, ensuring that no prohibited species are brought in and that animals comply with the regulations outlined in the bill.

The bill has been referred to the Social Affairs Committee for further deliberation.