Comment: Owl is symbol of Maldivian solidarity against cruelty to animals

A life of a pet owl, which seems to cast a spell on you with its fathomless deep blue eyes, is to be spared according to a recent update on MDP Haruge, which may bring some joy to a nation torn over an inability to distinguish between ‘dangerous’ and ‘exotic’ animals.

Some reports suggest the owl has been spared while other pet owner mourn their lost friends. One harmless iguana’s eulogy was given by its owner, Miusam Mushthaag: “Miss u igu” simply said all.

Matters have been made worse by conflicting official statements, with some government agencies reported that “all” the “illegal” and “dangerous” animals seized from the recent drug busts have been “destroyed”. This has not stopped heartbroken Maldivians going into a state of denial, refusing to accept that these animals have been killed.