September 10, 2025 – Yesterday, the Township of Langley gave notice that it intends to terminate LAPS as its animal control services provider, ending our 23-year relationship with the Township. View that letter HERE. During this time, LAPS has worked in partnership with three prior mayors and their councils to protect public safety and ensure the wellbeing of animals in our community.
In 2022, Township Council approved increases to LAPS’ budget based on Township staff recommendations, recognizing that LAPS' pivotal role in dealing with animal-related issues and noting that LAPS’ work is considered to be of the highest caliber and quality. At that time, staff intended to extend the Animal Control and Sheltering Services Agreement for five years, with an option for two additional five-year terms.
Yesterday’s decision represents an abrupt change in direction from the Township. While LAPS and the Township had been engaged in contract discussions – the most recent services and lease agreement having expired in June 2023 – LAPS had no prior indication that the Township intended to wholly terminate its services, let alone without sufficient notice for appropriate transition. Importantly, the Township has not asserted that it is terminating LAPS’ services based on “just cause” or for on any alleged wrongdoing.
The Township has directed LAPS to vacate its leased facilities by October 10, 2025. These facilities include the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, which shelters more than 350 dogs and farm animals, and the purpose-built ISOasis cat shelter, which cares for more than 450 cats, annually. Both facilities are synonymous with LAPS: the Patti Dale Animal Shelter is named after our founder, and LAPS oversaw the construction of the ISOasis, which was built with more than $360,000 in donor funding.
LAPS is deeply concerned about the continuity of care for the animals we support. LAPS has not received a plan for transitioning the animals currently in our care nor for the scope of services that will be provided to the community. We are especially concerned about the vulnerability of cats, whom we currently support exclusively through generous donations from the community and are not included in the Township's Animal Control Bylaw. LAPS has been providing support to cats at a cost of $350,000 annually. Over the past years, and with donor support, LAPS has also invested heavily in the Patti Dale facility – at no cost to taxpayers – to ensure that the facility remained current with best practices in animal care. Township of Langley residents deserve uninterrupted and continued excellence in animal welfare services, and it is our sincere hope they continue to receive this.
LAPS does not currently have alternative facilities to transition any of the animals currently being cared for in the Patti Dale Animal Shelter or at ISOasis.
LAPS is also concerned about disruption to animal support services more broadly. While acting as the Township’s animal services provider, LAPS has also offered many programs that are not funded by the Township. We have built strong partnerships with incredible service providers who go out of their way to support our team and the animals in the community. In 2024 alone, this support has allowed us to provide $35,000 of veterinary subsidies to low-income families, distribute over 12,000 lbs of pet food to 626 families and pay for 270 spay and neuter surgeries for owned pets, while also caring for 870 animals who needed safe shelter and support. The Township’s decision jeopardizes this work, which has been carried out by our staff and volunteers working out of the Patti Dale Animal Shelter.
LAPS is evaluating all available options, and we will be communicating our concerns to the Township directly.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges this decision brings, LAPS is committed to continuing to serve Greater Langley with compassion and integrity.
We are proud of the dedication and professionalism of our outstanding staff, as well as the passion and commitment of our generous volunteers, supporters and donors. Without them, the lifesaving work LAPS has undertaken would not have been possible. Together, we have improved the lives of countless animals, pet owners and Township residents. We remain dedicated to standing up for animals who can’t speak for themselves, and to ensuring every animal is given a second chance.
We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to us. Even as we express our concerns to the Township regarding its decision, LAPS is also exploring new opportunities to expand our programs, strengthen partnerships and adapt to meet the needs of animals and pet owners in new ways.
We invite the community to stay engaged: volunteer, foster, adopt, donate and write to mayor and council—because even as our shelter changes, the animals still need us. If you wish to voice your support for LAPS, email mayorcouncil@tol.ca.
More about LAPS’ impact can be found in our 2024 Community Report.