President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Animal Welfare Bill, officially enacting it as Act No. 23/2025.

The legislation was approved by the 20th People’s Majlis during its 22nd sitting of the third session on 19 November 2025.

The new law, structured across 11 chapters, introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for the keeping, breeding, and trading of animals in the Maldives.

It sets standards for animal health, outlines measures to prevent zoonotic diseases, and establishes rules for the import, export, and transport of animals.

Under the Act, the ministry responsible for animal health at any given time will oversee policy formulation and implementation related to animal welfare and safety.

The law also assigns specific enforcement duties to local councils.

Additionally, the Act details penalties for violations of its provisions or regulations formulated under it and provides procedures for filing complaints and appealing decisions made pursuant to the law.