Image: LAPS / Facebook

By Alyssa Conti

ANIMAL SHELTER SHUTDOWN

Residents protesting after Langley Township ends contract with animal shelter

Sep 12, 2025 | 9:30 AM

LANGLEY — Langley residents are batting for their local animal shelter after the Township decided to terminate its contract with the non-profit.

The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) previously issued a statement saying that it had received a 30-day notice from the Township to vacate its facilities, including the Patti Dale Animal Shelter holding over 800 animals, by October 10.

“While LAPS and the Township had been engaged in contract discussions […] LAPS had no prior indication that the Township intended to wholly terminate its services, let alone without sufficient notice for appropriate transition,” wrote the organization.

“Importantly, the Township has not asserted that it is terminating LAPS’ services based on ‘just cause’ or for on any alleged wrongdoing.”

The Township then clarified that this follows a 2024 decision to bring animal control services, currently provided by LAPS, directly under its own oversight. Mayor Eric Woodward added that the shelter’s statement appeared to be in bad faith.

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He added, “Starting earlier this summer, around the same time a by-election was announced, LAPS changed its position with respect to animal control officers.

“[I] t’s now my opinion that this social media campaign has been presented as it has for the local by-election. What has now come to light, in my opinion, is that we are dealing with a politicized LAPS.”

Mayor Woodward also suggested that proceedings regarding the dog Enzo had acted as an instigator for the Township’s sudden relationship fracture with LAPS, but the shelter asserted that those decisions didn’t say anything about terminating its services.

Alanna Dale, one of Patti Dale’s daughters, is now organizing a peaceful protest outside the Township Hall Monday, September 15, at 5 p.m. She has also started a petition to save the non-profit, garnering 1,994 signatures at the time of writing.

The Township is set to provide more information in the coming days.