Township of Langley Moving Forward with Animal Services Transition

Updated on Monday, September 15 at 2:00pm:

Joint Statement – Township of Langley and Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS)

The Corporation of the Township of Langley (the “Township”) and the Langley Animal Protection Society (“LAPS”) have reached an agreement to temporarily stay the Township’s recent termination of the services agreement and lease under which LAPS provides animal control and animal sheltering services on behalf of the Township.

During the term of this stay, LAPS will continue to provide animal control and animal sheltering services to the Township at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter. The purpose of the temporary stay is to allow the parties additional time to continue negotiations over a new services agreement, which will be focused on LAPS’ provision of only sheltering services to the Township at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter.

We look forward to continuing our discussions in good faith and to reaching a fair agreement that benefits both parties. Our joint focus is ensuring the animals and residents of the Township continue to receive the quality of care they deserve.

Neither party expects to comment further during the term of the stay agreement and while these negotiations are ongoing.

Thursday September 11, 2025:

On September 9, 2025, the Township of Langley formally concluded its third-party service agreement with the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), under which LAPS provided animal control and sheltering services through the Township-owned Patti Dale Animal Shelter. This decision was made in accordance with the terms of the agreement and follows Council’s 2024 direction to bring animal control services under direct Township oversight.

The transition is expected to result in improved service delivery, strengthened accountability, and long-term cost savings for Township residents, while ensuring greater oversight of animal control, welfare, and public safety.

The Township values its long-standing relationship with LAPS and recognizes its contributions to animal welfare in the community over many years. In recognition of that relationship, the Township had pursued discussions with LAPS about a new, sheltering-only agreement. However, despite more than a year of good-faith negotiations, a new agreement could not be reached.

The Township is taking all necessary steps to ensure a smooth and effective transition of services from LAPS, with continued focus on the care and well-being of animals currently in LAPS’ custody. The Township has already taken steps to assume responsibility for animal control services and is advancing operational planning to ensure continuity of sheltering services, consistent with Council’s direction. Residents can expect uninterrupted service throughout this transition.

Recent legal proceedings highlighted challenges associated with the third-party service delivery model. While the Court confirmed that officers acted reasonably in carrying out their duties, it found issues with the warrant process that resulted in a Charter breach. These developments underscore the importance of delivering animal control services under clear municipal authority, with strong oversight and accountability.

Council’s direction to bring these services in-house reflects a commitment to strengthening public confidence, enhancing service quality, and ensuring high standards of animal welfare across the Township.

The Township also reaffirms that the Patti Dale Animal Shelter will continue to operate as the Township’s animal shelter and will remain dedicated to its mission of supporting animal welfare in the community. Regardless of future service delivery arrangements, the Shelter will continue to provide care, protection, and resources for animals in need.

The Township will be providing further public messaging in the coming days to ensure residents have timely access to information and resources related to animal control and sheltering.

For the statement on Clarifying the Seizure of a Dangerous Dog Under the Community Charter, read it here.