Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary was founded
some four years ago by Fabio Ciappara with the help of a handful of his friends
who included retired British ex-pats.
We met Minister George Pullicino in September of 2004 to discuss aspects of
animal welfare. We also explained our urgent need for land for a sanctuary because
of the pressing stray dog situation.
In that same month we called a meeting of all animal rescue NGOs who issued
a joint press release to confirm their common ground regarding the neutering
of stray dogs and cats.
While we waited for the lengthy procedures required for the promised assistance
from the government we were lucky to obtain premises suitable for a sanctuary
on a farmer’s land in the limits of Paradise Bay. We started to set it
up in November of that same year. During these past 18 months about 200 dogs
have passed through our care. At present the sanctuary can care for about 100
dogs that are kept in relative comfort. They are fed, exercised and given all
necessary veterinary care. A few of the dogs that we have re-homed have gone
overseas.
At the end of January 2005 the Community Chest Fund Animal Welfare sub-committee
decided that the LM5,000 raised for animals by “l-iStrina” in December
2003 would be distributed for neutering dogs and cats. We have to date no idea
if the whole amount of money was actually utilised and would appreciate if the
Community Chest Fund would comment about this.
Minister Pullicino has done his best to assist us in our projects. He visited
the sanctuary recently when we were obtaining legal title to the place. His
comments were very favourable. He offered to assist us within the limits of
his ministry’s resources.
With all respect to the Minister we have to put on record our disappointment
at the inertia of the Animal Welfare Council and the lack of enforcement of
the Animal Welfare Act. It is our opinion that unless both these are revamped
the situation of so many unhappy animals will not improve. Immediate action
is necessary.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the vets of Malta who are generally
forthcoming to assist with rescue dogs. Our thanks go to The Veterinary Association
President Dr. Martin Debattista who has assured us their support.
However, we cannot see any positive action from the Department of Veterinary
Services. Every time we call them into action regarding animal ill treatment
it takes a lot of effort and resources on our part to ensure that they take
action. It appears that the law procedures, as they are now, stifle their enthusiasm.
On another note, we cannot understand why the Department of Veterinary Services
cannot delegate a couple of their vets to neuter a few strays per week! Like
all our fellow NGOs, we rely on charity to perform this vital service as well
as every other function of animal rescue.
Neutering of stray dogs is not the only answer to decrease the number of abandoned
animals. Most of the strays and puppies that we pick up are discarded domestic
pets. Neutering of domestic pet dogs should be encouraged. Abandoning an animal
is against the Animal Welfare Act of 2002 but only positive identification can
help enforce the law.
The Mellieha Local Council has realised the value of our efforts and we thank
Mayor John Buttigieg for his assistance and also for offering to host this launch
at the Local Council offices.
Jutta Spang’s initiative to help Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, following
her holiday in Marfa in October 2005, is laudable. On her return to Germany
she traced an organisation who was willing to assist us. She succeeded in convincing
ITV Grenzenlos to fund a neutering programme for dogs in our region. I invite
Jutta Spang to recount her wonderful story.
Mark Vella Bardon
Noah's Ark Animal sanctuary