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.

  • 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.
  • As a registered NGO our accounts are also audited and presented to the Commissoner for Voluntary Organisations.

Stray Dogs

Though our main concern is the running of the Sanctaury 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.
  • 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.