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The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) received shocking news yesterday when the Township of Langley delivered notice that it intends to terminate the organization as its animal control services provider, ending a 23-year partnership that has been the backbone of animal welfare in the community.
The sudden decision represents an abrupt reversal from recent Township support.
In 2022, Township Council approved budget increases for LAPS based on staff recommendations that praised the organization's "pivotal role" in addressing animal-related issues and noted that LAPS' work was considered "of the highest caliber and quality."
A Legacy of Excellence Under Threat
LAPS has built an impressive track record serving Greater Langley. According to their 2023 Community Report, the organization provided refuge for 828 animals last year alone, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year despite facing significant economic challenges.
The organization facilitated 352 adoptions and invested over $203,000 in medical expenses to ensure every animal received proper care.
The organization operates two critical facilities that the Township has ordered them to vacate by October 10:
- The Patti Dale Shelter, named after LAPS founder and currently housing more than 350 dogs and farm animals,
- and the purpose-built ISOasis cat shelter, which cares for more than 450 cats annually.
The ISOasis facility was constructed with over $360,000 in donor funding, representing years of community investment in animal welfare infrastructure.
Beyond Basic Services: A Community Lifeline
What makes this termination particularly concerning is the scope of services that hang in the balance.
While serving as the Township's animal control provider, LAPS has developed extensive community support programs that extend far beyond their municipal contract.
In 2024, LAPS distributed $35,000 in veterinary subsidies to low-income families, provided over 12,000 pounds of pet food to 626 families, and funded 270 spay and neuter surgeries for owned pets.
Their Major's Legacy fund alone distributed $33,874 in 2023 to help families keep their pets during financial hardship.
The organization's 2023 achievements demonstrate the breadth of their community impact:
- Answered 2,221 community calls
- Spent 385 hours patrolling parks
- Reunited 408 lost pets with their families
- Supported cats exclusively through donations at a cost of $350,000 annually
Volunteers and Community Programs at Risk
The termination threatens to disrupt numerous community programs that have become integral to Langley's social fabric.
LAPS' volunteer network of 131 dedicated individuals contributed over 10,000 hours of service in 2023, supporting everything from animal care to educational programs.
Their innovative partnerships include reading programs with local elementary schools, neurodiverse programs providing opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, and work experience initiatives for students.
The organization's corporate volunteer program has brought together businesses like Coast Capital Credit Union, Smythe, and Para Space Landscaping for community service projects.
Financial Impact and Unanswered Questions
The Township has not provided any explanation for the termination decision, nor has it asserted that LAPS' services are being ended for "just cause" or any alleged wrongdoing.
This lack of transparency is particularly troubling given LAPS' strong financial performance and community support.
LAPS' fundraising events in 2023 generated $114,719 in total revenue, representing a 139% increase from the previous year.
The organization's responsible financial management and growing community support suggest the termination is not performance-related.
No Transition Plan for Vulnerable Animals
Perhaps most concerning is LAPS' statement that they have received no plan from the Township for transitioning the animals currently in their care or for maintaining the scope of services the community has come to depend on.
LAPS currently has no alternative facilities to house the hundreds of animals under their care.
The timing is particularly problematic, with only 30 days' notice to vacate facilities that house vulnerable animals requiring specialized care.
Many of the animals in LAPS care have complex medical needs or behavioral challenges that require ongoing treatment and expert handling.
What This Means for Langley
This decision could have far-reaching implications for Langley Township residents. The loss of LAPS' comprehensive services would eliminate not just animal control, but also:
- Emergency veterinary assistance for low-income families
- Pet food bank services supporting hundreds of households
- Spay and neuter programs that help control pet overpopulation
- Educational programs connecting children with animal welfare
- Volunteer opportunities that strengthen community bonds
The termination also raises questions about the Township's commitment to community organizations that have built trust and expertise over decades.
LAPS has worked successfully with three previous mayors and their councils, suggesting this decision represents a significant departure from established community partnerships.
Community Response and Next Steps
LAPS has indicated they are "evaluating all available options" and will communicate their concerns directly to the Township.
The organization remains committed to serving Greater Langley despite the challenges and is exploring opportunities to expand their programs and strengthen partnerships.
The organization has also emphasized their gratitude for community support and stressed that regardless of facility changes, "the animals still need us."
They continue to welcome volunteers, foster families, adopters, and donors as they navigate this uncertain period.
Looking Forward
While LAPS faces an uncertain immediate future, their statement suggests they view this setback as an opportunity to adapt and expand their mission.
The organization's resilience has been tested before, including during the economic challenges of 2023 when demand for their services surged while donations declined.
Their 2023 Community Report noted that "despite incredible challenges, LAPS provided refuge for a total of 828 animals," demonstrating an organizational commitment that extends beyond any single partnership or facility.
As this situation develops, the community will be watching to see how the Township plans to maintain essential animal welfare services and whether a resolution can be found that preserves the expertise and community connections LAPS has built over more than two decades of service.
The stakes are clear: hundreds of animals currently in care, thousands of community members who rely on LAPS services, and a legacy of compassionate animal welfare that has defined Langley for a generation.
The next few weeks will determine whether this partnership can be preserved or if Langley will lose one of its most valued community organizations.
How to Support LAPS
For residents who wish to voice their support for LAPS and their concerns about this decision, the organization encourages community members to email mayorcouncil@tol.ca.
Given LAPS' strong track record and the lack of explanation for this termination, community input may be crucial in finding a path forward.
References and Resources
Jillian
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