A friendly competition between two representatives dedicated to public safety in Aldergrove raised more than $7,000 for the 91原创 Animal Protections Society (LAPS).

Capt. Bruce Farquhar of the 91原创 Township Fire Department, and Const. Dennis Bell of the 91原创 RCMP each took part in the third annual Kennel Breakout fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, which raised a total of $28,539. 

The Kennel Breakout sees a number of local community figures "locked up" in the LAPS kennels at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove for several hours. They get to leave when they reach a set goal for their bail.

It was Farquhar's first time participating in the breakout. 

"I've always had dogs my whole life," said Farquhar, who currently has two chocolate Labradors. 

He says it breaks his heart seeing animals in need of care, such as during disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires last month. That's why he's happy to support LAPS for the fundraiser.

Farquhar won the competition raising just shy of $5,000.

Bell said he was "100 per cent on board" to participate for a second year. 

"Every dollar can make a difference for an animal in need," Bell said. 

He also has a dog, a rescued pit bull-ridgeback mix. 

Bell was locked up with seven-year-old Yoshi, an Akita who has been at LAPS for almost a full year. 

Animal Protections Society is holding its annual Kennel Breakout fundraiser today until 4pm

鈥� Aldergrove Star (@AldergroveStar)

The person who received fewer donations 鈥� Bell who raised around $2,100 鈥� had a pie in his face at the end of the event. 

Sarah Jones, executive director at LAPS, said the breakout is a creative way to engage the community with the shelter.

鈥淸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,鈥� she explained.

Jones added that officers of the RCMP often help spread awareness about the resources LAPS offers to help animal owners.

鈥淥ur goal ultimately here is to keep animals with their owners鈥� we don鈥檛 want them in shelter, we want them to stay with the people who love them,鈥� Jones said.

The funds raised from the Kennel Breakout will go towards supporting veterinary care, emergency boarding, and pet food among many other services LAPS offers.

People can still donate online at  or at the shelter located at 26220 56th Ave.