A last-ditch appeal for funds has guaranteed that Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Mellieħa will continue to offer a roof, food and care to 120 dogs.

It is only dramatic appeals that are capable of stirring up support from the public

Last month, the organisation made an urgent appeal for funds, which had dwindled, a situation that would have forced the sanctuary to fold by the end of the month.

Mark Vella Bardon said that following the appeal in The Times and on Facebook, donations of food and cash started flowing in.

He lamented that “it appears we only get a strong response when the situation reaches dramatic proportions”.

Various organisations and companies, including the Vikings Sailing Club, organised events in aid of the animal sanctuary. Vikings managed to raise about €1,500 while HSBC staff donated €510.

The sanctuary continued with its own fundraising activities.

“However, it is only dramatic appeals that are capable of stirring up support from the public. We are indebted to the spontaneous support at this critical time,” he said.

This is not the first time Noah’s Ark has been in danger of closing down.

Back in 2010, the sanctuary found itself in a similar situation because it had run out of funds and was running low on food but calls for help kept it running.

Once again, food donations and support received this year have ensured it can remain open, at least for the time being.

However, the sanctuary said it was disappointed that not a single member of the public had chosen to adopt and home any one of the dogs.

Noah’s Ark, set up eight years ago, uses three to four bags of dried food a day and a number of tins, costing €250 a week.

There are other costs too. Pens must be bleached and cleaned daily and the helpers compensated.

“Thousands of litres of water are used and electricity bills have to be paid. Expensive medicine also has to be bought because the dogs are getting older.

“Noah’s Ark, unlike other sanctuaries, has fairly large dogs that tend to be more difficult to home. All these add up to a bill of at least €3,000 a month,” it said.

Donations can be made by Paypal to Bank of Valletta account 40013262921; from overseas:

Swift Code/BIC: VALLMTMT.

The Iban linked to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary account reads MT16VALL220130000000400 13262921.

Donations can also be made via SMS on 5061 7351 (€2.33); 5061 8072 (€4.66) and on 5061 9202 (€11.65).