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.

Update - September 19, 2025

Township of Langley Statement – Enzo Release

The Township of Langley confirms that the matter involving the dog “Enzo” has now been resolved by agreement of all parties. Enzo has been returned to his owners following a negotiated resolution of the Provincial Court proceedings.

Throughout this process, the Township’s priority has been public safety, animal welfare, and compliance with due process. With the matter concluded, the Township will not be providing further comment

Update - August 26, 2025

Clarifying the Seizure of a Dangerous Dog Under the Community Charter

Public safety remains the Township of Langley’s top priority.

The Township of Langley is aware of a decision made today by the Provincial Court of British Columbia that the Langley Animal Protection Society’s (LAPS) April 2024 seizure of a pit bull dog (Enzo) was done pursuant to an invalid warrant due to technical issues with the presentation of information used to obtain a warrant for seizure from a Justice of the Peace.

The Provincial Court also dismissed part of the owners’ application regarding the manner and conduct of the seizure, finding that LAPS acted reasonable.

In particular, the Court found that LAPS’ officers did not use excessive force in seizing Enzo and any injuries Enzo sustained during seizure were self-inflicted.

However, the Court separately found that there were technical issues in how LAPS presented information when applying for the warrant for Enzo’s seizure. Accordingly, on this ground alone, the Court determined that the warrant for Enzo’s seizure was invalid. The Court made comment that the technical issues were not made to mislead the Justice who originally signed the warrant. The Court has not made any orders in respect of Enzo, as the parties had previously agreed that a hearing on remedy would be held separately.

Throughout this process the Township has been guided by ensuring public safety and that remains our top priority. The Township is also reviewing its processes around animal seizure to ensure all appropriate processes are followed moving forward. This includes consideration on bringing animal control services under the direction of the Township in order for the Township to have more control over these processes, and to cease having LAPS perform this function on behalf of the Township.

We are reviewing this decision with our legal counsel and will provide further comment in due course. In the meantime, we are also continuing to ensure Enzo remains well-cared for under LAPS’ custody pending next steps.

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.