AUGUST 28, 2025 – LAPS is aware that the Provincial Court of British Columbia issued a decision on August 26, 2025, concerning the seizure of the dog named Enzo. Our role in this case has been to serve as the Township’s contracted animal control services provider, acting under Township authority. This has included caring for Enzo while the Township seeks a court order for his euthanization.
The August 26, 2025, decision was related to LAPS’ April 2024 seizure of Enzo under a warrant issued by a Judicial Justice of the Peace pursuant to section 49(5) of the Community Charter. The application for a warrant followed LAPS’ completion of a public-safety investigation into two serious attacks involving Enzo in January and February 2024. That application was made by a Township-designated Animal Control Officer, acting under the authority of the Community Charter and employed by LAPS.
Details of the August 26 decision
The Court found technical issues with the information provided in the application for the April 2024 warrant, which, upon review, rendered the warrant invalid. Importantly, the judge rejected arguments that the warrant included exaggerated information, withheld facts or attempted to mislead the Court in any way. While the warrant has now been ruled to be invalid, LAPS carried out the order in good faith at the time it was issued and according to the authority granted in the warrant by the Judicial Justice of the Peace who issued it.
The Court also addressed allegations about the manner of the seizure and found that the LAPS officers—who were carrying out the warrant on the Township’s behalf—acted reasonably. The judge determined that LAPS did not use excessive force and did not use the catch pole as a weapon. Enzo’s injuries were found to be self-inflicted after he bit down on the catch pole, breaking two teeth and chipping a small part of an attached mandible.
LAPS welcomes the Court’s confirmation that the seizure was carried out reasonably and that no excessive force was used, and the recognition that Enzo’s injuries were self-inflicted.
This is a difficult matter for everyone involved. LAPS takes all issues affecting our community and the many animals in our care very seriously, including Enzo. We welcome progress in this case and will continue to follow all court directions as well as direction from the Township of Langley regarding Enzo’s future. As always, public and community safety and the safety of the animals at our shelter remain our top priority.
LAPS’ current role as animal control services provider to the Township of Langley and possible changes
LAPS will not publicly disclose details of ongoing discussions regarding service agreements. However, we are aware that the Township has publicly referenced changes to LAPS’ role in animal control services several times. Mayor and Council first discussed it in September 2024 in a Regular Meeting of Council, when multiple other factors related to animal control and welfare in the Township of Langley were also discussed. We appreciate the dialogue that took place in this meeting—and the discussions that have since taken place—about a potential review of animal services in the Township. We also appreciate the positive feedback heard from the Township’s leadership throughout the meeting regarding LAPS’ excellent record serving the Township and its residents.
As animal control service provider for the Township of Langley, we have worked in partnership across multiple councils and three previous mayoral administrations to ensure the safety of the community and the wellbeing of all animals we shelter.
Given the sensitive nature of issues related to animal services, we wish to clarify the following for the public record:
- On April 10, 2024, LAPS seized the dog named Enzo in its role as the Township of Langley’s contracted animal control services provider.
- The seizure was executed under a warrant issued by a Judicial Justice of the Peace for the Provincial Court pursuant to section 49 of the Community Charter.
- The application for the warrant to seize Enzo was made by a Township-designated Animal Control Officer employed by LAPS, and the Township was consulted in the decision to seek the warrant.
- LAPS followed all existing applicable procedures and Township requirements in its handling of the warrant application to seize Enzo.
- The Township holds legal authority over animal control enforcement in the Township and exercises ultimate control over such matters, including decisions to pursue the seizure, detention and designation of dangerous dogs.
LAPS followed established legal procedures and acted in good faith to carry out our enforcement responsibilities at every stage of this case. For additional information on the matter of the dog Enzo, please refer to LAPS’ July 14, 2025, statement.
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About the Langley Animal Protection Society
The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), a registered non-profit charitable organization located at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, is dedicated to supporting healthy human-animal connections through leadership, education, programs and municipal services. In 2024 alone, LAPS provided shelter and care to over 800 animals.
Through a variety of essential services, LAPS aims to ensure that pets can stay with the people who love them. We provide a range of emergency shelter services to care for animals in need, as well as social programs designed to assist pet guardians These initiatives include food banking, spay/neuter services, and access to urgent veterinary care for Langley residents through the Major’s Legacy Fund. By offering these crucial resources, LAPS seeks to alleviate the pressures faced by pet guardians during challenging times and to prevent unnecessary separation of pets from their families. For more information, visit www.lapsbc.ca.