About The Island Sanctuary

The Island Sanctuary has been in operation for over 20 years, catering for the needs of stray and abandoned dogs in Malta, and is listed as a Charity Organisation - the organisation originated in 1986 on Manoel Island. We are registered with the `Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations` - VO/0038.

See        http://www.msp.gov.mt/services/subpages/content.asp?id=2145 
for conditions and criteria for registration.

With the granting of an official lease to use Fort Tas-Silg, Delimara on 31st August 1991, the Animal Samaritans ( as previously known), re-located to a more suitable and beneficial environment and changed its name to "The island Sanctuary Association." Registration Number 670171911.

The Sanctuary is supported by the generous contributions of the public and a number of volunteers who dedicate their time to the running of the Sanctuary and the welfare of the numerous dogs within, which at over 150 is no easy task.
In spite of ongoing education, the problem of stray dogs (and cats) in Malta is still a major one. Irresponsible owners still let their dogs breed indiscriminately, and when no home is found for the puppies, callously abandon them. Other joyfully welcome a new puppy to their home - just as long as he/she behaves! We give our criminals far more chances than we give our dogs....

`The Island Sanctuary Association` is proud to be able to make a difference. Apart from the many dogs at the Sanctuary, we are also involved with numerous strays all over the island. Our members and friends care for many abandoned dogs, and we support them by neutering the dogs they care for. If you really care why not join us? You can help us make a difference.....

ABANDONED! Most of us are shocked when we hear about helpless children who have been abandoned! How can we expect a child to cope and survive?
And yet - an abandoned pet is not much better off! If the greatness of a country is measured by the way it treats its animals - then we have a long way to go.....

Location

The Island Sanctuary is situated in Delimara, Marsaxlokk, SE Malta. In order to access the Sanctuary, from the beginning of Marsaxlokk (on the hill) take the road leading to St. Peter`s Pool and we are situated just prior to this location, near the power station.

Policies

All decisions regarding the running of the Island Sanctuary Association, are made by the elected Committee (all of whom are voluntary workers.) Since our opening, we have always maintained the following general policies: 

• The Island Sanctuary itself is to be a temporary or permanent home for our homeless dogs. Therefore, we make sure their experience is a happy one. We provide food, shelter, medical care - but we also give them love and companionship.
• All dogs within the Sanctuary are spayed/neutered as we firmly believe this is the only humane solution to the problem of unwanted dogs.
• No dog is ever put to sleep unless it’s an absolute requirement (such as serious illness) when NO alternative remedy is available and the dog is in pain.
• New dogs are only admitted upon the homing or demise of a resident dog from within the Sanctuary.
• This is in accordance with our desire to give all our dogs the care and nurturing they deserve. We see no point in admitting more dogs than we can decently care for.
• All donated and collected funds go towards the running of the Sanctuary (we are a non-profit making charity organisation).
• All donations are acknowledged and numbered receipts issued and mailed to the senders.
• A detailed report of our expenses and income is presented to our supporters at the Annual General meeting.

Though our main concern is the running of the Sanctuary itself, our love of animals extends beyond the Sanctuary gate, and our vision embraces the whole of Malta. We also contribute to:
• the general welfare of strays in Malta by spaying/neutering dogs that have regular feeders. These include numerous dogs at Industrial Estates all over Malta, as well as at entities such as Enemalta, Dockyard and Maltacom.
• promotion and enforcement of existing Animal Laws to prevent cruelty to animals in Malta.
• educating the general public on the humane treatment of animals, with a particular emphasis on children. Since 1999, we have been visiting schools and inviting students to visit the Sanctuary and learn more about responsible pet ownership.

Admissions

Unfortunately, the Island Sanctuary cannot accept any stray or abandoned dogs immediately as we already have a long waiting list. We try to uphold a strict code of entry whereby only the dogs who have been on the waiting list for the longest, are admitted once a vacancy arises within the Sanctuary, such as the homing of one of our beloved pets.

It can take some time before a dog on the waiting list is actually admitted, but thankfully many are temporarily homed with the people who discover them.

All admitted dogs are placed in "quarantine", until inspected and tested for viruses by vets, before being allocated to pens with other dogs. Any vaccinations or medication required by certain injured or ill dogs are provided until nursed back to health adequately.

Visiting Times

If you would like to visit the Island Sanctuary, please call on 21659895 preferably on mornings, to ensure that the Sanctuary is open. We are open every day - but due to lack of helpers we cannot always admit visitors and show them around. On the other hand, if you are in the vicinity and feel like dropping in - just ring the bell! Please don`t feel `ignored` by the few volunteers there - we do have a tight schedule, and most of the time can`t stop to talk!:)
We welcome any persons wishing to come and see the dogs, especially those considering adopting or sponsoring one of them. Visitors are also welcome to take 1 of our dogs for a walk, to consider making a donation - or helping out as a volunteer or even just to have a look around.