Image: Change.org / Enzo (pictured) is being held at the Langley Animal Protection Society after he reportedly mauled a person in February 2024, but staff at the rescue have started receiving threats as tensions continue to grow.

By Alyssa Conti

STAFF HARASSED

Langley animal shelter threatened as petition grows to clear pitbull from 2024 dog attack

Jul 6, 2025 | 3:37 PM

LANGLEY — Tensions continue to escalate as a pitbull remains in a Langley animal shelter’s care following a 2024 dog attack– and staff are now pleading for a little more compassion from the community.

In April last year, the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) carried out a court warrant to seize Enzo, the pitbull who reportedly mauled a contractor only a few months prior.

“We strongly believe the search was conducted in an unreasonable manner,” wrote his owners, the Haers, in an online petition. “During the seizure, officers caused him extreme physical and emotional trauma. His jawbone and teeth were broken, and he was so terrified that he urinated and defecated on himself.”

The Haers alleged that LAPS is keeping Enzo in a small kennel with only an hour of weekday visits allowed, and that the shelter and Township have filed an application to euthanize him.

Amid all the controversy, the rescue has asked residents to stay civil, citing threats to both the staff and the animals in their care.

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“We understand that recent events have prompted strong emotions and a range of perspectives,” LAPS said in a post. “Unfortunately, our staff and volunteers have been subjected to sustained and escalating online abuse, cyberbullying, harassment and threats to personal safety.”

LAPS has now moved to moderate and filter out the most disturbing comments on social media.

“They are deeply harmful to our team members who show up every day to care for animals, support the people who love them and help ensure public safety. Our staff and volunteers deserve to feel safe—at work, online and in our community.”

The petition has more than 9,600 signatures at the time of writing.