Langley Animal Protection Society held its annual ‘Kennel Breakout’ fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Thanks to volunteers, $17,000 was raised from the event.
It was 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.
“We are a not-for-profit and times are hard, and our [animal] increase was about 17 per cent last year. So, we really need community support,” she said.
Jones said they had 13 volunteers this year participating in the Kennel Breakout including an RCMP member Cst. Dennis Bell.
“Dennis has been really supportive of LAPS. We’ve had many cases and files with him. He’s an animal lover, he was the first that stepped up to say he would help out and raise some money,” Jones praised.
Bell said it was his first time participating in the Kennel Breakout, and called it an “incredible experience.”
Jones added that officers of the RCMP often help spread awareness about the resources LAPS offers to help animal owners.
“Our goal ultimately here is to keep animals with their owners… we don’t want them in shelter, we want them to stay with the people who love them,” Jones said.
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.
People can still donate online at lapsbc.ca or at the shelter located at 26220 56th Ave.
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