Some 91原创 residents are raising concerns over the 91原创 Township council's plans to take animal control services away from the 91原创 Animal Protection Society (LAPS), and to assign those duties to the bylaw enforcement department.
Rick Reubart from Walnut Grove is one such resident who said he's concerned the potential decision represents a reduction in the scope of animal control services, and that "this could be a precursor to larger scale reductions to come."
Specifically, a of $200,000 from LAPS to the Township on the 2025 draft operating budget has Reubart worried.
"The mayor said at council that this was for 'transition' costs, but if this means transitioning positions, responsibilities, or scope away from LAPS, I suggest it is better leaving animal control in its entirety with a single, well-established service provider that specializes in this field," he told The Star.
Mayor Eric Woodward said that "staff confirmed this would be for one-time capital items required if council proceeds to bring animal control services in-house."
He noted that this would be two vehicles and related miscellaneous equipment.
In September, council approved a review of animal control services within the Township, including 91原创 Animal Protection Society (LAPS) being "exclusive to Township of 91原创 residents."
At the Sept. 23 meeting, council voted 6-3 in favour to direct staff to consult with LAPS on changes of its services to the Township, improved service levels for residents with deceased, lost, or stray pets, animal control enforcement, and expansion of its spay/neuter program the society foresees in the next 10 to 15 years.
Woodward noted that there is a difference between sheltering services and animal control.
"Animal control is largely a bylaw enforcement service," he said.
"Staff cannot confirm another municipality of the Township鈥檚 geographic size and population that outsources animal control," something he calls a "core municipal service."
In the last few budgets, council has increased annual funding for bylaw enforcement by $1.48 million, which includes eight additional officers and new programs such as the commercial vehicle enforcement, which launched in September, Woodward noted.
"With up to 18 to 20 bylaw enforcement officers by next year, it is now possible to significantly expand bylaw coverage hours and improve responsiveness, a long-standing need," he added.
"The economies of scale now exist for animal control to be included within the department, to also have this service improved without additional operating funding needed, as it can overlap with existing officers."
Woodward also said that LAPS has struggled to fulfill vacancies of its animal control officers (ACOs) and has lost personnel to bylaw departments throughout the region.
"It is time to at least review bringing this [service] in-house, to a bylaw enforcement department much better staffed, resourced, and led than what we assumed office with in late 2022," he said.
"Council reaffirmed its support for LAPS as a sheltering provider. LAPS has always been without a long-term contract with the Township of 91原创, and I would like to change that, and confirm improved funding stability for them for important programs, such as spay and neuter."
Reubart shared support for a long-term contract for LAPS, and added that he would like to see an increase in funding for LAPS, or at least maintaining the status quo for the shelter.
The 91原创 resident said he's been a long-time supporter of LAPS, and adopted his first dog last year through the Aldergrove shelter.
"I know I speak for many when I say that LAPS鈥� commitment to animal welfare is highly treasured in the 91原创s," Reubart said.
Woodward said that there are also some capital expansions and renovations "that are likely for the shelter" since it opened in 2005.
"The Township of 91原创鈥檚 population has significantly grown since then, and to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the future, we would like to confirm a long-term capital plan for the facility," he said.
"We would also like to see how we can perhaps reallocate their funding currently used for ACOs to other initiatives, like an expansion of the spay and neuter programs, also needed."
In a statement to The Star, executive director of LAPS Sarah Jones said the shelter wants to continue to be the safety net for animals in 91原创.
"We have served the 91原创 community for over 20 years, and value our partnerships with the Township, the City, and the community," she said.
No decisions have yet been approved by council, but Woodward said reports are expected to be presented to council soon.
