Dog sanctuary is the attraction for two tourists

Tourists from Germany normally come to Malta to enjoy the sun and sea or other attractions, but American Ricky Alston and his German partner Claudia Meixner have something else in mind: They volunteer to take care of the dogs at the Abandoned Animals Association sanctuary in the outskirts of Luqa.

Mr Alston, a cook, and Ms Meixner, a teacher, who are based in Bavaria, arrived last Saturday for a week's "holiday" with a purpose, the second time this year.

"It is hard work but it gives us great satisfaction. Visitors come to Malta for sightseeing and the sun and sea; we come purposely for the sanctuary, spurred by the love we have for our friends."

Their services are greatly appreciated by Mr Fenech: "I could do with some rest. In fact it has been some time since I had a three hour break from the routine work", Mr Fenech said as he also acknowledged work put in by other volunteers.

The proud owners of two crossbred dogs back home, Mr Alston and Ms Meixner said they got to know about the dog sanctuary in Malta through a documentary on German TV last January.

"We were so impressed that we made contact and offered our services," they said.

The couple was already in Malta helping out over the Easter period last April. When they left they took two dogs from the sanctuary to be homed in Germany.

Asked about the animal welfare situation in Germany, Ms Meixner said that organisations that take care of animals received substantial support from the government to be able to care for the dogs. Sanctuaries also have members who donate money apart from a large number of volunteers. Another important aspect is that animal organisations cooperate and keep in touch with each other through websites.

"Animal welfare in our country is taken very seriously and is well organised - something which we would also like to see happening in Malta," she said.

Apart from obtaining money from the government and members, animal welfare organisations in Germany also organise activities themselves to raise more money.

One such initiative is an obedience school, which organises classes to teach animals how to behave.

They also organise visits for children to the sanctuaries to instil love towards the animals as well as flea markets. Proceeds go towards animal welfare.

Another way they raise money is by providing an advisory service through which animal owners can seek advice about their pets, Ms Meixner said.

Mr Alston said he noticed a lot of improvement at the Luqa AAA's sanctuary since he was in Malta last April. The sanctuary is constantly being upgraded, though locals do not appreciate the work being done.

"Our friends find it hard to believe that the association does not get government support for caring for stray dogs.

"Another bad practice we have come across is putting puppies on sale at open air markets or in pet shops. Most often these are kept in small boxes or cages. Such a practice is not allowed in Germany and should be banned," he said.

He also noted the strict regulations observed by animal welfare organisations in Germany when it came to offering a dog for homing.

In most cases, volunteers visit the homes of the people offering to home the animals who will also have to make a written commitment to take good care of their new pet.