For the Record

Public information updates will be posted here to provide clarity on topics and to correct inaccurate information that may circulate on non Township of Langley communications platforms.

Clarifying the Seizure of a Dangerous Dog Under the Community Charter

The Background

The Township of Langley is aware of recent media coverage and social media campaigns regarding the seizure in April 2024 of a pit bull dog (Enzo) pursuant to the powers provided by the Township’s Animal Control Bylaw to seize dangerous dogs under the Community Charter. As some of the commentary may not reflect the full context or all relevant facts, the Township is providing the following information to clarify the basis for the seizure and assist in addressing any public confusion.

The Facts

• Enzo is a male pit bull dog who was seized from his owners in April 2024. The owners reside at a property in the Township.
• Prior to the seizure, Enzo had been involved in two serious attacks on Township residents.
• The first attack was on January 14, 2024, when Enzo escaped the owners’ yard and bit a 16-year-old girl in an unprovoked attack where Enzo latched onto her arm and would not let go.
  • The victim had to be treated at the hospital for injuries to her arm.
  • The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) investigated that attack and advised the owners of the requirements under the Township’s Animal Control Bylaw not to have the dog running at large.
• The second attack was just over a month later, on February 28, 2024. A contractor who was hired by the owners to do contracting work at the property, entered the back yard at a pre-arranged time. Enzo and another female pit bull dog entered the yard and attacked the contractor.
  • The contractor says that Enzo bit onto his arm and would not let go. This was also confirmed by a neighbour who witnessed the attack. The other dog was also involved in the attack but was not the main aggressor.
  • The contractor sustained serious injuries.
  • He was hospitalized for almost a month. He underwent multiple surgeries to his arm, which nearly had to be amputated.

• Following the second attack, the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) investigated and determined that Enzo met the definition of a “dangerous dog” under the Animal Control Bylaw and the Community Charter. On April 10, 2024, LAPS obtained a warrant and seized Enzo pursuant to its powers to do so under the Community Charter, in order to protect public safety.
• The seizure was done by animal control officers for LAPS. Enzo sustained minor injuries to his teeth and jaw during the seizure, which was the result of Enzo biting a catch pole used in the seizure.
  • The bite and resulting injuries further demonstrated Enzo’s aggressive nature and inability to understand the strength of his own bite.
  • Enzo was treated for those injuries immediately, at the expense of LAPS, and fully recovered shortly thereafter.  
• Following the seizure, LAPS had an assessment done of Enzo by an independent dog behavioural expert who confirmed he was a danger to the public.
  • On that basis, as well as the two serious attacks noted above, in under two months, a euthanasia application was pursued in the Provincial Court.
• Enzo continues to be held at LAPS’ shelter pending the outcome of the Court application and the owners are permitted to visit him once per day during the week. Enzo is also under the supervision of an accredited veterinarian.
• The Township has an obligation to protect public safety and has done so in its seizure of Enzo and the subsequent provincial court application.
• Ultimately, any decision over whether Enzo is released or euthanized will be made by a Provincial Court Judge based on all the evidence. The Township will abide by any decision the Court makes in that regard.