Meow Mee, an instant noodle cafe in Melaka, Malaysia, has been temporarily closed for a week and fined RM10,000 after authorities found it operating as an unlicensed mini zoo. The closure will last from September 22 to 28, following a viral TikTok video of a distressed alpaca at the cafe. The video posted by user @sydhndrh described the alpaca as “lonely,” which garnered significant public sympathy.
Initially, the cafe served RM5 noodle bowls but over time accommodated 23 animals, including goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, cats, and the aforementioned alpaca. The Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) stated that the establishment’s food license, issued in April, explicitly prohibits animals on the premises. Yet by June, it had transformed into a petting zoo.
During a raid on September 21, officials discovered over 10 cats and various other animals in unsanitary conditions. Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman noted that this was the first instance of a restaurant operating in such a manner and ordered the owner to remove all animals and clean the establishment before reopening.
- Why it matters: The case raises concerns about animal welfare in cafes, potentially influencing regulatory scrutiny in the entertainment and food sectors.
- The closure of Meow Mee may prompt other businesses to evaluate their practices regarding animal involvement to avoid similar consequences.
- The latest: Meow Mee is set to remain closed until September 28 to address the cited issues.
Source: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/sg-owned-pet-cafe-melaka-020024688.html
Source: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/sg-owned-pet-cafe-melaka-020024688.html