The Island Sanctuary Association at Tas-Silg in Marsaxlokk, which cares for strays, is in danger of closing down its operations because of a lack of volunteers.

It has been in operation for the last 20 years, taking in its care stray and abandoned dogs.

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday, Claire Gafà said: “We have been complaining of a lack of volunteers for the past three years, but our appeals have fallen on deaf ears.” She explained that currently there are only two volunteers at the sanctuary to do the morning chores for 140 dogs. These chores include food preparation – such as cooking meat and pasta, administering medication, letting dogs out for their half-an-hour to two hours’ exercise within the sanctuary’s premises, cleaning the pens and washing the plates.

“These chores are done by two people and it takes us from 6am to 2pm every day,” said Ms Gafà.

“We have now reached the point where we can no longer operate in this manner. There are not enough volunteers to cover the whole week. Unless the situation is remedied, we will have no choice but to close the sanctuary by the end of the year.” The consequence of this is an unmentionable subject to Ms Gafà, as to any other animal lover.

“We have been in this situation for three to four years,” she explained. The number of volunteers at Tas-Silg has been falling for various reasons, most of all personal reasons such as female volunteers becoming pregnant, students who found full-time work and others who changed from shift-work to working office hours.

A good number of volunteers turn up at weekends but, “we are really tight on weekdays”.

“I believe that many of those professing their love for animals could spare a couple of hours, especially housewives or retired people, and come and help out. All we need is just five people willing to give three hours of their time to help keep this place running,” said Ms Gafà

As with any other voluntary organisation, finances do pose a problem. However, in one way or another Island Sanctuary has always benefited from the generosity of animal lovers. Ms Gafà added that vets have also been very helpful in providing their services at heavily discounted rates. “It is a sheer lack of manpower that is driving us close to closing this sanctuary. So please help us.”

The Island Sanctuary can be contacted on 2165-9895 or 790-8901, or on email info@ islandsanctuary.com.mt.