Langley Animal Protection Society is bringing back its annual “Kennel Breakout” fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 24.
It’s the second Kennel Breakout event for LAPS, which involves staff, volunteers, and approved members of the public to be “locked up” in kennels at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter until their “bail” amount is raised during the four-hour event.
Sarah Jones, executive director at LAPS, said the breakout is a creative way to engage the community with the shelter.
“[It] helps the community and our supporters connect to our cause, to spend time experiencing how our furry guests live when they are at LAPS helps people connect and remember that the dogs and cats in our care are amazing pets who have just not had the best luck in their life,” she explained.
Currently, LAPS houses about 18 cats and 40 dogs. Jones said last summer they had more than 100 animals in their care at one time.
“Last year was the first year in my career where I have seen dogs outnumber cats in the shelter, and this is directly related to the economy that has been impacted by the pandemic,” Jones shared.
She noted that LAPS also saw a 17-per-cent increase in animals needing shelter during 2023, compared to the previous year, and that animals are staying in care longer as well.
The funds raised from people participating in the Kennel Breakout will go towards supporting veterinary care, emergency boarding, pet food, among many other services LAPS offers.
In 2023, $200,000 went towards veterinary care alone, Jones said, and 337 cats were aided by community donations.
Fundraising is key for LAPS. While the shelter and animal control functions of the society are partly funded by Langley Township and City, the society’s care for cats is 100 per cent donor funded.
The Kennel Breakout takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Patti Dale Animal Shelter is located at 26220 56th Ave.
People can donate online at lapsbc.ca.
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