Sylvia Zammit, The Island Sanctuary Association, Marsaxlokk.
I refer to the article 160 Dogs "May Be Put To Sleep" (September 18).
In actual fact, this was not sent by any of our officials, though it was partly based on the press release we issued on August 29. The full text of the press release was as follows:
"The Island Sanctuary Association has been in operation for the last 20 years taking in its care stray and abandoned dogs. We have been complaining of a lack of volunteers for the past three years, but our 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. Unless the situation is remedied, we have no choice but to close down the sanctuary."
Putting our dogs to sleep was never an option for us, even if no volunteers had come forward. As it is, though, we have been encouraged by the support of many animal lovers who contacted us.
We have just launched the Island Sanctuary Calendar for 2008 to help us raise the funds we need.
The Island Sanctuary can be contacted on 2165 9895 or 7901 8901 or on email info@islandsanctuary.com.mt.
MY COMMENT: ISLAND SANCTUARY is another animal shelter which is going through hard times, basically due to lack of volunteers. You see, Island Sanctuary has one 'problem': it does not kill the animals that it takes under its wings. It keeps them there for years, and years, and only puts a dog to sleep when it is found that that dog simply cannot continue living a decent, painless life.
Dear readers, that is the basic difference between PUTTING TO SLEEP and KILLING. All those who work with sanctuaries and shelters, SPCA Floriana included, would do well to learn it.
So, when a shelter such as I.S. does not put animals to sleep, the place tends to get crowded. This, in itself, brings various problems, such as lack of hygiene, lack of resources as well as food - it has been known that volunteers themselves, sometimes, bring or buy food for the dogs, in order not to see them go hungry! - and lack of space. How does one bring a balance to this? I don't know. But certainly, KILLING the animals for lack of space is not the answer.
Since I.S. REALLY practises a no-kill policy, it is facing harship regarding volunteers. So, one should be mindful of this urgent plea of I.S. and perhaps use that phone ... and call!
My sincere best wishes to Island Sanctuary in their quest to attract and inspire more volunteers. FF
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