Dog sanctuary in desperate need of volunteers

The Island Sanctuary may have to close down soon due to a lack of volunteers.

The sanctuary, which is based at Tas-Silg, cares for 160 stray dogs and is run by about six volunteers, all women over 40, who dedicate all their free hours to the dogs at the sanctuary. Volunteer Yvonne Aquilina says that at least eight or nine people a day are needed to look after so many dogs. Being old dogs, most of them required medication, a lot of attention and sometimes trips to the vet.

Moreover, while dogs were recovering they sometimes needed 24-hour monitoring.

Ms Aquilina, a teacher, said that there was more work at the centre in winter but that was when the number of volunteers decreased.

While in the past several students and housewives used to appear at the centre to give a helping hand, these were now finding jobs and making less of an appearance.

Ms Aquilina said the centre would have to close down unless the situation was rectified.

The Island Sanctuary has been in operation for the last 20 years. It has been complaining of a lack of volunteers for the past three years, but its appeals have fallen on deaf ears.

"We have now reached a point where we can no longer operate in this manner. There are not enough volunteers to cover the whole week."

The Island Sanctuary can be contacted on 2165 9895/7901 8901 or via e-mail at info@islandsanctuary.com.mt.