Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has stated it is working on preparing a detailed report over the events that led to the killing of 120 birds that were imported to the Maldives illegally.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had ordered the fisheries ministry to prepare a detailed report on the matter following public outrage over the killing of the birds at the Plant Animal Quarantine Unit in Velana International Airport (VIA). It was reported that the birds had been in the unit for about 3 months before being put down.
In a press statement, the fisheries ministry accepted the concerns raised by the public over the incident and expressed regret over the incident. The ministry said a detailed report is being prepared upon the instruction of the president to identify and analyse the causes of the incident and take action accordingly.
In the statement, the fisheries ministry said efforts are also underway to strengthen the plant and animal quarantine services in the Maldives and provide the necessary protection to living species while protecting the general health of the public. The ministry also urged importers to comply with the legal procedures in place for the import of birds and other animals to the Maldives.
The fisheries ministry had earlier stated the birds were seized while being imported illegally. The ministry said the birds were put down after seeking the counsel of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). However, the AGO stated the birds could have been sent back to its country of origin with all expenses to be paid by the importer.
The killing of the birds has sparked nationwide public outrage and calls for amendments to the relevant laws to ban such killings.