Langley City strikes new deal with Langley Animal Protection Society

Langley City council approved a Jan. 26 agreement with the Langley Animal Protection Society for LAPS officers to provide animal control, with dogs to be housed at commercial kennels instead of the Patti Dale Animal Shelter; cats will continue to be housed at Patti Dale.

Langley City council approved a new agreement with the Langley Animal Protection Society on Jan. 26. Under the deal, LAPS officers will handle animal control in the city and dogs picked up in the city will be boarded at commercial kennels rather than the Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove. The decision follows related arrangements between LAPS and the Township of Langley and prompted differing views among local elected officials. City staff cited cost and capacity concerns in recommending the kennel option while LAPS described plans for on-the-ground programming and outreach. What happened: - City council approved the agreement on Jan. 26 to have LAPS officers provide animal control in Langley City. - Dogs picked up in the city will be sheltered at commercial kennels instead of the Patti Dale Animal Shelter; cats will continue to be housed at Patti Dale and City cats will be prioritized for foster placement. - The city report cited additional cost and unpredictable future capacity issues as reasons to recommend commercial kennels. - Two LAPS animal control officers will be based in Langley City and LAPS said they will deliver outreach, school engagement and pop-up park programming. - Mayor Nathan Pachal said using commercial kennels will cost the city less and shared city estimates for the new contract costs and a projected 0.3 per cent tax increase next year. - Township mayor Eric Woodward issued a statement criticizing the City’s move and said the Township would have allowed continued use of the Patti Dale shelter under its contract with LAPS. Summary: The council decision shifts dog sheltering to commercial kennels while keeping cats at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, and the city projects higher contract costs and a small tax impact. Some councillors and the Township mayor expressed concern about the change. Undetermined at this time.