LAPS’ Animal Control Services support public safety, animal welfare and bylaw enforcement in the communities we serve.
Officers receive specialized bylaw training in animal management and complaints resolution related to human-animal conflicts. As first responders, they are required to address active dog attacks and other public safety concerns.
LAPS enforcement philosophy prioritizes education as the first step toward voluntary compliance. Formal enforcement actions, such as designations or tickets, are applied based on the severity of the case and only when education has been provided and voluntary compliance has not been achieved. This approach supports safer neighborhoods and reduces nuisance issues while ensuring animals are treated humanely and with dignity.
LAPS enforcement philosophy prioritizes education as the first step toward voluntary compliance. Formal enforcement actions, such as designations or tickets, are applied based on the severity of the case and only when education has been provided and voluntary compliance has not been achieved. This approach supports safer neighborhoods and reduces nuisance issues while ensuring animals are treated humanely and with dignity.
Officers enforce municipal bylaws and provincial legislation (Community Charter) related to licensing, animal control and public safety. This includes issuing warnings, fines, compliance orders and, when necessary, seizing animals.
Officers conduct proactive and complaint-based patrols in parks with on- and off-leash areas. They engage with the public to promote compliance with licensing and other bylaw requirements.
Officers prepare case files and provide testimony for dangerous dog hearings, bylaw prosecutions and other legal proceedings.
Officers respond to public complaints involving barking, strays, aggressive or dangerous animals and unsanitary conditions. They investigate concerns, gather evidence and work to resolve conflicts between animals and people.
Officers respond to urgent situations involving loose dogs, injured animals, dog attacks and animals in distress. They also assist Police, Fire and Ambulance services when animals are involved in emergency situations.
Officers support disease prevention efforts to reduce risks to public health, including providing additional support to unhoused pet owners to help maintain animal and community health.
Officers address animal care concerns under applicable bylaws and provincial legislation, with a focus on early intervention. When concerns escalate to cruelty, cases are referred to the BC SPCA.
Officers work with the BC SPCA on cases involving suspected abuse or neglect, including assisting with evidence collection.
Officers provide proactive education for residents and youth on animal welfare, pet safety, responsible ownership, licensing and bylaw compliance. This work helps prevent incidents and build community trust through school programs and community events.
Support for Dogs Owned by the Unhoused: Providing resources such as food, supplies and veterinary care access for pet owners experiencing homelessness.
Licensing Programs: Enhanced initiatives to increase pet licensing compliance and awareness in the municipalities we serve.
Aggressive/Dangerous Dog Annual Visits: Officers conduct annual home visits to confirm compliance with licensing and safety requirements for dogs that have previously been designated under the bylaw. These visits are also intended to act as an opportunity of resource access for the dog owner.
LAPS maintains a fleet of vehicles and in-community offices to ensure quick response times and direct engagement with communities.