# Feline Welfare Organization

Feline Welfare Organization (FWO) (Dhivehi: ފީލައިން ވެލްފެއާރ އޯގަނައިޒޭޝަން) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the Maldives, established on 22 August 2023. The organization is dedicated to the welfare and care of stray cats in the Maldives. FWO focuses on humane animal management practices, including advocacy for trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs, and for sustainable solutions to address the growing stray animal population. The organization has taken the initiative to support the establishment of cat sanctuaries and shelters across the country through both preliminary and ongoing efforts, in collaboration with the local councils and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare of the Maldives. Additionally, FWO works to raise awareness about animal cruelty, promote responsible pet ownership, and foster community engagement through educational events and partnerships.

## History

The Feline Welfare Organization was established on 22 August 2023 in response to the growing issue of stray cats in the Maldives. The organization was founded to address the challenges posed by the increasing stray cat population in urban areas such as Malé and on several local islands. The rise in stray cats has been attributed to factors such as limited animal management strategies, a lack of public awareness about responsible pet ownership, and insufficient animal welfare resources. FWO was created to implement humane solutions, particularly through promoting TNR programs aimed at controlling the stray cat population.
In addition to these programs, the organization began feeding hundreds of stray cats in Malé City and advocated for similar practices in other islands. FWO also collaborated with the Malé City Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to support the development of cat sanctuaries and shelters across the country, working toward improving the overall welfare of stray animals in the Maldives.

## Objectives

The Feline Welfare Organization aims to improve the welfare of stray cats in the Maldives through humane and sustainable approaches. Its key objectives include:
* Population control: Implementing humane methods, such as endorsing for TNR programs, to manage the stray cat population in urban and rural areas.
* Animal care: Providing regular feeding and advocating for responsible management of stray animals in various regions, including urban areas like Malé and surrounding islands.
* Sanctuaries and shelters: Supporting the establishment of cat sanctuaries and shelters across the Maldives, in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies.
* Public awareness and education: Promoting awareness on animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the prevention of animal cruelty through educational campaigns and community engagement.
* Advocacy for animal welfare: Working to influence policy and legislative measures aimed at improving animal protection and welfare in the Maldives.
These objectives reflect the organization's efforts to address the challenges faced by stray animals and contribute to the overall welfare of animals in the Maldives.

## Controversies

A controversy involving the FWO arose when a video depicting a man abusing a cat circulated on social media. The video circulated on social media, and generated public discourse on animal welfare in the Maldives. In response, FWO, reported the incident to the Maldives Police Service, the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), and the Immigration Department, requesting an investigation into the matter. The individual involved was arrested by the police; however, he was later released due to insufficient evidence to support charges. He was later on deported for violation of visa. This incident also brought attention to concerns regarding the consumption of cat meat, which had been reported within certain migrant communities in the Maldives.
FWO used the situation as an opportunity to advocate for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws and to call for greater protections for stray animals. Following the incident, FWO continued its efforts to raise awareness about animal welfare through public campaigns and educational programs, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment and responsible pet ownership. The organization also engaged with local authorities to encourage better enforcement of animal protection laws. The cat meat controversy highlighted ongoing challenges in addressing animal cruelty in the Maldives and sparked discussions on the need for stronger legal protections for animals.

## Activism and achievements

The Feline Welfare Organization has been actively involved in advocating for the welfare of stray cats in the Maldives. The organization focuses on promoting humane treatment of animals and the implementation of sustainable animal management practices.

### Advocacy for stray cat management

FWO has played a key role in advocating for humane solutions to the growing stray cat population in the Maldives. The organization promotes the TNR program as a primary method for managing the population, which involves trapping, neutering, and returning cats to their original locations. While TNR is widely recognized as an effective strategy to control stray animal numbers without resorting to euthanasia, its implementation is currently limited by existing government policies.

### Feeding programs

As part of its ongoing efforts to care for stray cats, FWO regularly feeds between 350 and 400 cats in Malé City alone. In addition to this, the organization has extended its feeding and stray management programs to six other local islands in the Maldives, working to provide consistent support for the welfare of stray animals outside of the capital. FWO's feeding programs in Malé and several islands are supported by donations, local businesses, and volunteers.

### Establishment of animal sanctuaries and shelters

FWO has advocated for the creation of sanctuaries and shelters for stray cats. The organization has supported the establishment of animal parks, such as the proposed animal park in Vaavu Thinadhoo, which aims to provide a safe and sustainable environment for various species. Furthermore, FWO has been involved in efforts to develop a cat sanctuary in which is planned to include veterinary clinics, cat cafés, and educational programs for the public.

### Public awareness and education

FWO has organized numerous educational events and campaigns to raise public awareness about animal welfare issues. The organization regularly holds spot-on treatment days in Malé City, providing medical care and registration for stray cats. Additionally, FWO has conducted educational presentations for local councils, helping to address misconceptions about stray animals and encouraging responsible pet ownership.

### Partnerships and collaborations

The organization has established partnerships with various local and international entities to further its mission. FWO collaborates with other organizations and distributors. The organization has also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to influence animal welfare policies and practices in the country.

## Notable achievements

* Successfully promoted implementation of TNR programs to manage stray cat populations in Malé and other islands.
* Regularly feeds and cares for hundreds of stray cats across the Maldives.
* Advocated for the creation of animal sanctuaries and shelters, with several ongoing projects.
* Raised awareness about animal cruelty and promoted humane treatment through public campaigns and educational outreach.
* Established partnerships with various organizations and government bodies to support animal welfare initiatives in the Maldives.
FWO's activism has contributed to ongoing efforts to improve the lives of stray animals in the Maldives, fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility toward animals in the community.

## Accomplishments

The Feline Welfare Organization has been actively involved in advocating for the establishment of a dedicated cat sanctuary in the Maldives to address the challenges posed by the growing stray cat population. One of the significant outcomes of their efforts is the establishment of a cat shelter in collaboration with the Malé City Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

### Establishment of Olhu Hiyaa Shelter

In early 2024, the Male' City Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare entered into an agreement to create a temporary shelter for stray cats in Hulhumalé. This shelter, known as Olhu Hiyaa, was developed on a 5,000-square-foot site in the Farukolhufushi area of Hulhumalé Phase II. Construction of the shelter began in March 2024, and it officially opened on November 2, 2024. The shelter is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 cats and includes various facilities such as a quarantine area, a clinic for medical care, and a neutering facility. This initiative is a key step in addressing the stray animal issue and providing humane solutions for the population of stray cats in the Maldives.

### Role of FWO

FWO played an instrumental role in advocating for the creation of the Olhu Hiyaa shelter, working closely with the local council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. The organization highlighted the importance of humane treatment and sustainable solutions to the stray cat population, contributing to the planning and development of the shelter. The opening of the Olhu Hiyaa shelter represents a significant milestone in the Maldives' efforts to manage and care for stray animals, providing a structured environment for their well-being.

## Challenges faced

The FWO faces challenges in managing stray cat welfare and promoting animal protection in the Maldives, including limited governmental support, low public awareness, funding issues, and societal attitudes. Despite these, FWO continues to advocate for improved animal welfare practices.
* Lack of unified national policy: Absence of a cohesive strategy for managing stray animals, leading to fragmented efforts and inconsistent support from local authorities.
* Slow government response: Delays in funding approvals and policy support for animal welfare initiatives.
* Low public awareness: Many people lack understanding of responsible pet ownership, neutering, and the impact of stray populations.
* Growing stray population: Increasing number of stray cats outpaces FWO's ability to manage, despite neutering and feeding efforts.
* Limited shelter capacity: Shelters like Olhu Hiyaa are insufficient to meet the growing demand for animal care.
* Animal cruelty: Public incidents of cruelty and ineffective legal consequences for perpetrators.