LAPS is a strictly non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our communities.
Like you, many of LAPS’ staff and volunteers live, work, and play in the communities we serve and deeply believe in the importance of engaging candidates from all parties on animal welfare issues. We are committed to ensuring animals receive the dignity, love and care they need, and we want to keep the human-animal bond top of mind for those who serve in local government.
When voting in an election, it’s important to choose candidates who share your values. Every voice matters and so does every vote.
On this page, we’ll be posting survey results from the most recent elections and by-elections that take place in the Greater Langley area. Results will be kept live until a new election is called in the municipality.
Learn more about our commitment to advocating on behalf of animals on the non-partisan engagement page:
LAPS has reached out to all candidates running in the October 2025 Township of Langley by-election with a set of identical questions regarding animal welfare issues in our community. By asking candidates to share their positions and priorities, voters are given the information they need to make informed choices that reflect compassion for both people and animals. Each candidate was invited to respond, share who they are and their views on animals, animal welfare and the role of animals in our lives.
We encourage you to read through the survey responses below to learn about the candidates and to consider how their beliefs align with yours on animals and our community. Candidates’ responses are posted in full and presented in the order in which they were received.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
Jami Watson: As a council member, I believe our policies must balance compassion with responsibility. Animals are family members, partners in sport and recreation, and part of local agriculture and industry.
First, I would support strong animal welfare standards that ensure safety, humane treatment, and clear accountability, wheter for pets, livestock, or animals in sport.
Second, I would work with industry stakeholders and care providers to build policies that are practical, sustainable, and supportive of those who raise, train, and care for animals every day.
Third, I would advocate for education and community partnerships, so residents ahve access to resources on responsible ownership, licensing, and care.
By grounding decisions in compassion, transparency, and collaboration, we can protect animal welfare while respecting the people and industries who depend on and care for them.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
Jami Watson: Too many cats in Langley are left without homes, which puts pressure on shelters and creates real welfare concerns. Cats not being included in the Township’s Animal Control Bylaw, leaves a gap in both policy and funding.
As a council member, I would advocate to update the bylaw to include cats, so they receive the same level of protection and oversight as dogs. I would also support low-cost spay and neuter programs, in partnership with veterinarians and nonprofits, because prevention is the most effective way to reduce overpopulation.
Finally, I’d like to see more community education and support for adoption to ensure that cats already in care find good homes. By modernizing our bylaws and working together with residents, vets, and shelters, we can reduce overpopulation humanely and responsibly.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
Jami Watson: I appreciate that Council has taken steps to update the Animal Control Bylaw and the Public Spaces Bylaw. Those rules shape how people, pets, and public safety intersect in our community. At the same time, I think there’s more work to do.
For example, cats are still not included under the Animal Control Bylaw, even though overpopulation is a growing issue. I would also like to see stronger alignment between bylaws and animal welfare standards, so that enforcement focuses not just on compliance, but on responsible and humane care.
Looking ahead, I believe it’s important for Council to continue reviewing animal-related services with input from residents, farmers, veterinarians, shelters, and local businesses. Our goal should be bylaws that are clear, enforceable, and reflect the values of a compassionate, responsible community.
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
Jami Watson: For me, that means focusing on smart, cost-effective investments: prevention programs like spay/neuter that reduce future costs, partnerships with veterinarians and nonprofits to stretch every dollar, and volunteer engagement that adds capacity without adding tax burden.
I would also support integrating animal services more closely with bylaw, parks, and emergency planning so animal welfare isn’t treated as a stand-alone expense, but as part of how we keep our community safe, resilient, and humane. By being strategic and collaborative, we can make real improvements without putting undue strain on the budget.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
John Aldag: I'd like to begin by offering my thanks to LAPS for the many years of care the organization has offered to our community and the animals within it. As a family with 2 cats and a dog, I fully appreciate and value the work that LAPS and the dedicated volunteers do for our furry friends. After all, our 2 cats Crypto and Mandu came to us through LAPS. If elected to Council, I will look at existing policies and bylaws as part of my onboarding so I can fully understand what currently exists. I would also talk to various stakeholders including volunteers, as I’ve done in my previous elected roles, as part of consultations to get diverse perspectives on what policies and bylaws are working, and where problems exist. If changes are needed, I would work with colleagues on council to bring about changes so that the animals in our community have improved levels of care over what currently might be in place.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
John Aldag: Cat overpopulation is an issue that needs to be addressed. Pretending otherwise is a disservice to feral and abandoned cats themselves in our community, as well as to those impacted including residents who are negatively impacted by this issue, to wildlife including songbirds, and to other animals through diseases that can be transmitted such as distemper and rabies. I would want to consult with experts in the field, to understand the magnitude of the problem and potential solutions including costs and other considerations to re-home abandoned and feral cats. I would also want to look at care options and what organization(s), such as LAPS, are best positioned to address this issue.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
John Aldag: I would need to better understand the background to the updates that happened to various bylaws and the rationale for such changes. I would also need to better understand the status of any recent changes, to get a sense of what is completed, what changes can be made, and what the process would be to affect change at this point in time to any relevant bylaws. I believe our community needs to have a legitimate consultation process, to ensure various perspectives are considered as changes are made as well as perspectives on what other changes are needed in our community to ensure animals have sufficient care and protection.
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
John Aldag: We can’t ignore animal welfare issues in our community including abandoned, feral, aggressive or otherwise problematic animals. Animal welfare issues would rank in my Top 10 concerns in the Township at this time. I would need to more fully understand the nature of any needed improvements, and determine who is best positioned as well as most responsible for implementing any such improvements. If certain actions require Township funding, then I would want to make sure these concerns are included in the budget-setting process. If others are best positioned to address issues through actions such as fundraising, then I would support those solutions. In my experience, discussion and collaboration can go a long way in resolving issues including funding issues.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
Blair Whitmarsh: Langley’s mix of pets, farm animals, and recreation animals makes animal welfare uniquely complex. I believe Council must recognize this by listening to experts and residents, making decisions rooted in evidence, and adapting to evolving standards of care. Strong bylaws, outreach, and broad consultation will ensure that policies are practical, compassionate, and fair - for both the animals and the people who care for them.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
Blair Whitmarsh: Every cat in Langley (whether in a home or outdoors) has value. The Township should reduce overpopulation with affordable spay/neuter programs, education campaigns, and promotion of permanent ID. This isn’t about licensing cats but about ensuring they’re cared for and can be reunited with families. We also need to acknowledge the larger challenges - like limited veterinary capacity, rising post-COVID costs, and lack of pet-friendly housing - and work with stakeholders to overcome them.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
Blair Whitmarsh: Recent updates show what happens when bylaws move forward without enough consultation. Efforts to address concerns instead created new issues - like overly strict dog restrictions and an initial ban on horses on Township paths. Stakeholders weren’t meaningfully engaged, leaving us with bylaws that are hard to enforce and don’t fit daily life. Council should focus on transparency, engagement, and evidence-based decisions, so policies balance health, safety, and enjoyment while respecting Langley’s traditions and realities.
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
Blair Whitmarsh: I see animal care as inseparable from community care. When families can properly care for their pets and livestock, we reduce stress and strengthen our community. Even within tight budgets, it’s important to prioritize animal welfare through fair and balanced funding. Leveraging partnerships, grants, and outreach can help us maximize impact. For me, investing in animal services is also an investment in Langley’s people and our community.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
Val van den Broek: Prioritize Animal Welfare Across All Sectors: Strengthen bylaws around pet spay/neuter programs and anti-abuse enforcement.
Ensure that animals involved in activities like equestrian events or dog agility are protected by clear standards for care, rest, and veterinary oversight.
Engage stakeholders in policy development: Create advisory panels that include veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, farmers, trainers, and recreational groups. Host community consultations to hear from caregivers, volunteers, and residents about their experiences and concerns.
Offer training and resources for those who care for animals—whether professionally or personally—including mental health support for high-stress roles like shelter workers and veterinary staff.
Provide grants or subsidies for rescue organizations, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and therapeutic animal programs.
Recognize and celebrate the contributions of caregivers through public awareness campaigns and civic awards.
Monitor, Enforce, and Evolve: Establish a local animal welfare oversight body to monitor compliance and investigate complaints.
Maintain compliance with provincial and federal legislation while proactively seeking innovative solutions to address specific local requirements.
This kind of policy framework ensures that animals are respected not just as resources or companions, but as sentient beings whose well-being matters. It also builds trust with industry and care providers by recognizing their expertise and challenges.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
Val van den Broek: Langley faces a significant cat overpopulation issue, with thousands of free-roaming and feral cats impacting animal welfare, public health, and local wildlife. Currently, cats are not included in the Township’s animal control bylaw, limiting effective management.
To address this, council should amend the animal control bylaw to include cats, requiring licensing, identification, and mandatory spay/neuter for all owned cats unless registered as breeders. Penalties for abandonment and non-compliance should be established.
The Township should partner with veterinarians and animal welfare organizations to offer low-cost or subsidized spay/neuter services and support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for feral cats. Grants and resources should be provided to shelters and rescue groups to help manage intake and care.
Public education campaigns are essential to promote responsible cat ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, and the impact of cat overpopulation. Community caregivers involved in TNR should be recognized and supported.
An animal welfare oversight body should monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and evaluate program effectiveness. Funding can be sourced from municipal budgets, grants, and partnerships.
This comprehensive approach will reduce cat overpopulation, improve animal welfare, and benefit the entire community.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
Val van den Broek: To effectively address animal welfare in Langley, council should prioritize robust partnerships with local animal organizations. Begin by establishing advisory panels that include representatives from animal welfare groups, veterinarians, rescue organizations, and community caregivers. These panels offer expert input for policy development and program design.
Formalize these partnerships through service agreements or Memorandums of Understanding, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and shared objectives. Collaborate on joint initiatives such as low-cost spay/neuter clinics, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for feral cats, adoption events, and public education campaigns. Pool resources for grants, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment to maximize community impact.
Engage the public by hosting regular consultations and town halls, fostering transparency and building trust. Recognize the contributions of animal groups and volunteers through civic awards and awareness campaigns.
Share data on animal intake, outcomes, and program effectiveness to guide policy decisions and improve services. Work together on transition and crisis planning to ensure continuity of care during service changes or emergencies.
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
Val van den Broek: Animal welfare is a key priority for council, as it directly impacts public health, safety, and community well-being. While municipal budgets are limited, investing in animal welfare yields broad benefits, including reducing stray populations, supporting vulnerable residents, and fostering public trust.
To fund improvements, council should leverage partnerships with local organizations such as the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), which have a strong track record of service and community support. Volunteer-driven models and collaboration help stretch municipal resources further. Council should also seek external funding by applying for provincial, federal, and private grants dedicated to animal welfare, and encourage community fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and legacy gifts to supplement municipal budgets.
Integrating animal welfare into core municipal services ensures it is considered alongside other essential priorities. Public education campaigns, responsible pet ownership programs, and support for spay/neuter initiatives can be cost-effective ways to improve outcomes. Sharing data and collaborating with stakeholders allows council to monitor effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
Saurabh Seth: I will start by acknowledging that I am not an animal welfare expert or a pet owner, so I will turn to veterinarians, animal behaviour specialists, professionals, and experienced shelter operators for guidance.
The internationally recognized Five Freedoms will shape my advocacy: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, and disease; freedom to express natural behaviours; and freedom from fear and distress. These principles will inform calls for safe housing standards for pets and humane handling protocols for farm animals.
I will champion the creation of a Township Animal Welfare Advisory Committee made up of these experts to review bylaws, funding priorities, and enforcement practices. This committee can provide clear, evidence-based recommendations and deliver annual reports to Council and residents.
Animal welfare should play a role in land-use planning, emergency management, and public health discussions, so I will push for its inclusion in those conversations too. I also support sustainable funding—through licensing fees, grants, and partnerships—to strengthen both community-led programs and essential municipal services. My aim is to elevate expert advice, promote transparency, and ensure policies evolve based on real-world outcomes, balancing the needs of animals, caregivers, and local industries.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
Saurabh Seth: Langley’s cat overpopulation challenge demands expert-led solutions. Building on LAPS’s successful TNR Program, I will advocate expanding Trap–Neuter–Return in partnership with organizations like LAPS, local veterinary clinics, and trained volunteers. Addressing foundational barriers such as limited veterinary capacity and scarce pet-friendly housing is essential too.
To ensure coordinated action, I will champion a Township Animal Welfare Advisory Committee composed of veterinarians, animal behaviour experts, shelter operators, and other key stakeholders. This committee could review and recommend bylaw updates, funding priorities, and best practices, delivering clear, evidence-based reports and annual progress metrics—like reductions in unowned cat numbers and shelter intakes.
Public education campaigns co-created with animal welfare professionals are also essential and will promote responsible feeding, indoor-only policies, and volunteer training for caretakers. With expert guidance and collaborative governance, we can curb cat overpopulation while protecting community health.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
Saurebh Seth: In my opinion, the recent bylaw updates suggest a push for greater municipal control, but I have concerns about context, community trust, and operational efficiency:
Rationale and Business Case (Transparency)
Expert Enforcement vs. Municipal Oversight
Public Spaces Bylaw and Bureaucracy
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
Saurabh Seth: Animal welfare ranks among my top priorities, as caring for animals is a municipal responsibility. I will ensure it receives formal consideration during our annual budgeting process, informed by expert advice and stakeholder input. Drawing on the BC SPCA’s Model Bylaws—which recommend funding mechanisms such as licensing fees, cost-recovery service charges, and targeted grants—the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee I proposed can explore creative, sustainable revenue tools tailored to our community needs.
Learning from other municipalities and implementing best practices like:
Collaboration with experts and key stakeholders is the way to move forward effectively.
Q1. Animals contribute to our community in diverse ways - as companions, participants in sport and recreation, and as part of local industries. How will you, as a council member, ensure that policies reflect responsibility to the animals themselves, to industry stakeholders, and to the individuals who provide care?
Resha Sabti: I must admit — my dogs have shaped not only my life but also my kids’ lives, bringing joy, empathy, and resilience to our family.
When it comes to animal-related policies, I believe they must be built through collaboration - with residents, veterinarians, rescue organizations, farmers, and those with hands-on animal welfare experience. Strong policy isn’t about short-term fixes; it needs to be realistic, educational, and focused on long-term wellbeing.
Some key priorities for our community:
• Prevention and care: expand spay/neuter and mobile vet clinics, strengthen licensing, ensure responsible breeding and sales practices, and consult with farmers on animal health, humane treatment, and livestock protection.
• Support for people, pets, and farm animals: develop housing and seniors’ policies that protect the human–animal bond, ensure shelters and sanctuaries are properly staffed, and promote no-kill and rehabilitation models where appropriate.
• Preparedness: include animal and livestock evacuation in community emergency planning.
• Education and engagement: partner with schools, farms, and animal organizations to teach compassion, responsibility, and safe animal stewardship from a young age.
At its heart, this is about recognizing all animals — pets, wildlife, and farm animals — as part of our community. When we care for them with compassion and accountability, we strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of our entire village.
Q2. Langley has an overpopulation issue related to cats, yet cats are not covered under the bylaw. What steps, if any, do you think the Township of Langley should take to reduce the cat overpopulation issue?
Resha Sabti: Part of my approach is honesty and transparency — so here it goes I’m not a cat person! Even though I share my home with two dogs who sometimes act like cats, I’ll admit I’m less familiar with cat-related bylaws. I was surprised to learn that our community doesn’t currently have specific bylaws for cats.
Cat owners, please don’t take offense — I was once scratched by a cat, and it taught me a valuable lesson! That said, many people close to me have cats, and some neighbours have even transitioned their outdoor cats indoors, showing me how complex and personal this issue can be. My perspective is simple: on topics like this, we need to consult experts, (such as Vokra and LAPS), study best practices, and create fair, practical rules. I know it’s a sensitive conversation, but I’m committed to listening to all sides and finding thoughtful, balanced solutions.
Q3. Council of Langley recently updated the Animal Control Bylaw, the Public Spaces Bylaw, and is reviewing other services related to animals in the community. What comment, if any, do you have related to the issues?
Resha Sabti: I believe updating our bylaws to include cats is an important next step toward more balanced and responsible animal policies.
Some areas that deserve continued attention include:
• Prevention: accessible spay/neuter and licensing programs to reduce long-term costs and ease shelter pressures.
• Support for people and pets: housing and senior-friendly policies that protect the human–animal bond.
• Emergency planning: ensuring animals are included in evacuation and disaster response.
• Education and engagement: school and community programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the value of fostering and adoption.
• Incentives: community partnerships and recognition programs that encourage responsible ownership, volunteering, and collaboration with local rescues.
By taking these steps, we can create thoughtful, compassionate bylaws that reflect our community’s values and ensure the wellbeing of both people and animals across the Township.
Q4. Given limited municipal budgets, where does animal welfare rank among your priorities, and how would you fund improvements?
Resha Sabti: Animal welfare is one of my top priorities, because the wellbeing of our community goes hand in hand with the wellbeing of our animals. I’ve already shared policies that can provide long-term solutions, and I remain committed to prevention-focused, sustainable approaches.
When it comes to budgeting, it’s essential to consult the right experts, evaluate reliable data, and build on the investments we already have in place. A smart strategy means leveraging partnerships, rewarding responsible pet ownership, reducing barriers, and ensuring that emergency plans include animals as part of community safety.
Incentives can be creative and low-cost: volunteer credits that count toward community service requirements or engagements; wellness programs that encourage walking a dog as part of healthy living, or credits that reduce shelter workloads while giving people without pets a chance to enjoy animal companionship. By embedding animal welfare into the broader community budget—rather than a siloed expense—we can create sustainable, inclusive solutions that benefit both people and animals.