Heartbreak in Langley: Beloved Animal Shelter Faces Eviction After 23 Years, Sparks Community Outcry

A cornerstone of compassionate animal care in Langley is facing an uncertain future, leaving staff, volunteers, and a passionate community reeling. The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), an organization that has provided a safe haven and vital services to countless animals for 23 years, has been served an eviction notice by the Township of Langley, demanding they vacate their long-time home by July 31st.

Situated at the Glenwood Care Centre at 27580 52 Ave., LAPS is far more than just an animal shelter.

It’s a lifeline, caring for over 1,000 animals annually through a comprehensive suite of programs. From rehabilitating injured and abandoned creatures to finding them loving forever homes, LAPS also operates a crucial pet food bank, manages trap-neuter-return initiatives, and offers educational programs that foster responsible pet ownership.

Their dedication extends to animals often overlooked, including special needs and senior pets, ensuring every creature gets a second chance.

The news came as a devastating shock to the LAPS team, who received formal notice in May. While their lease had transitioned to a month-to-month arrangement in 2012, the sudden directive to leave a home they've meticulously built over two decades has caused immense distress.

The immediate concern is the well-being of the animals currently under their care and the continuation of essential services that benefit not just pets but the entire community.

The Township of Langley, in a statement, confirmed their intention to reclaim the land. The stated purpose is to make way for the expansion of civic facilities, potentially including a new civic campus or other community amenities.

While acknowledging the invaluable work performed by LAPS, the Township reiterated its commitment to future municipal infrastructure, a decision that places the future of the beloved animal shelter in jeopardy.

For LAPS, the challenge of finding a new, suitable location within such a tight timeframe is immense.

Their current facility is uniquely tailored to the complex needs of animal care, requiring specific zoning, extensive space for kennels, outdoor runs, veterinary examination rooms, and administrative offices. The costs associated with securing a new property, relocating, and potentially building new facilities are staggering, adding another layer of anxiety to an already precarious situation.

The community's response has been immediate and overwhelming.

A groundswell of support for LAPS has emerged, with an online petition quickly garnering over 3,000 signatures from concerned citizens demanding the Township reconsider or provide a viable alternative. Residents are expressing outrage and sadness over the potential loss or disruption of a service they deeply value, highlighting LAPS's irreplaceable role in the fabric of Langley.

As the July 31st deadline looms, LAPS continues its urgent search for a new home, appealing to the public for assistance and support.

The future of hundreds of animals and the continuation of vital community programs hang in the balance, as the Langley community rallies together to fight for their beloved animal protection society.