Target: Eric Woodward, Mayor of Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Goal: Impose swift disciplinary action if policy breaches are confirmed and immediately secure a safe, transparent transition plan for hundreds of displaced shelter animals.
A nonprofit animal shelter was given just 30 days to vacate facilities housing hundreds of cats and dogs, allegedly without an adequate transition plan for the animals’ safety. Advocates fear that neonatal kittens, seniors, and animals with medical needs could be thrust into chaos, as staff and volunteers are scrambling to relocate them on short notice. Supporters also claim the organization had no prior indication a full termination was imminent, raising urgent concerns about animal welfare and continuity of care.
The situation has left the public distressed and confused about who will be responsible for daily feeding, medication, quarantine, and emergency veterinary needs during and after the move. Community groups say the sudden timeline could result in overcrowding at other facilities, increased disease risk, and heightened stress for already vulnerable animals. These circumstances demand immediate municipal oversight, transparency, and enforcement.
Sign below to demand leadership enact emergency safeguards now: pause any eviction-related removals that risk animal welfare; require a written, public transition plan with veterinary sign-off; designate independent welfare auditors to monitor conditions daily; and, if internal policies or contract obligations were violated, impose appropriate disciplinary measures on responsible parties and restrict any negligent operators from future animal-care contracts. Animals do not have time for confusion—clear, humane action is essential.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mayor Woodward,
We are deeply concerned by reports that a local shelter was ordered to vacate with roughly 30 days’ notice without a fully developed and publicly communicated plan to protect hundreds of animals in its care. Community members and rescuers fear that neonatal, geriatric, and medically fragile animals could suffer during a rushed transition that reportedly lacks adequate staging, contingency housing, and veterinary oversight.
These animals require continuity: daily medications, quarantine protocols, disease control, and stress-minimizing handling. Abrupt contract shifts—especially those undertaken with limited lead time—risk overcrowding at neighboring facilities, higher illness transmission, and preventable suffering. Such outcomes would contradict the community’s expectations and the spirit of responsible municipal stewardship.
We respectfully urge your office to take the following actions without delay. We require a written, time-sequenced transition plan reviewed and signed by licensed veterinarians. Assign independent welfare auditors to monitor conditions and publish frequent updates. Ensure round-the-clock veterinary access, transport standards, and capacity checks at any receiving facility.
If a review substantiates policy or contractual violations tied to this abrupt termination, impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on responsible officials or contractors, and bar negligent parties from future animal-care agreements.
We support effective, humane animal services. Please act now to protect these animals and to ensure accountability where it is due.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Tjflex2
