Maldives: Hell for cats. Stop their suffering.

Merlin the kitten was obviously born under a lucky star.
His mom was killed by humans and all of his siblings were dead by the time our volunteer spotted him. He was in a pretty rough shape, scared and hungry, and was desperately crying. His waist was about 2 cm thin (we measured!) and he would most likely soon be dead of starvation and thirst, if he hadn't been rescued in time.

NOT ALL STRAY CATS IN MALDIVES ARE AS LUCKY AS MERLIN

One of the stray cats recently killed in Male


The picture-perfect image of Maldives is quickly being tainted by a series of brutal killings of stray cats started a few months ago and continuing today in an attempt to "control" the rapidly growing population of unwanted stray cats.

No one knows how and when the first cats arrived in Maldives but today groups of stray cats (a rough estimation is about 400 animals and growing) mostly in very bad shape, sick or hurt are seen all over the capital Male and other cities on different islands.

With scarce to no access to food or fresh water, and ZERO access to veterinary care the cats make a pitiful sight.  There is almost no pet or humane culture among the population, people often abuse or at best ignore stray animals, who eventually die of thirst, hunger, diseases or hit by bikes.

Unneutered cats quickly breed to produce more and more kittens bound to suffer and eventually die the same painful death.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO STOP THIS

The ONLY humane, long-lasting and effective solution to stop this is a massive sterilization campaign for stray and pet cats of Maldives along with a social advertising campaign promoting responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals.

Forgotten Animals , a UK based animal Welfare Charity, has successfully executed Spay and Neuter campaigns in 30+ cities with over 10,000 animals sterilized. The government of Maldives, despite recognising the urgent need for action, has declined the request to finance the Spay and Neuter Campaign, but agreed to provide the space for the temporary vet clinic and to waive the taxes on the drugs needed for surgeries.
We are planning to spay and neuter 400 cats in all cities over the period of10-14 days. With the support of visiting veterinary surgeon from marine animal organisation Olive Ridley, the cats will be neutered pro bono. However, the funding for anaesthetics, post op medication and carriers needs to be raised, otherwise, the campaign won't be possible.

The currently estimated budget is 16,500 USD/12,600 GBP.

SUPPORT OUR PROJECT
We cannot make it happen without your help. Each contribution will make a huge difference for suffering cats in Maldives giving them the opportunity for a better life.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT OUR PROJECT BY SHARING IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

THANK YOU!