Enzo the pit bull comes home after nearly 1.5 years in Langley shelter

LANGLEY — A pit bull that had been at the center of controversy can now play in the sun with his family again after being detained in a Langley animal shelter for 17 months.

The Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) took Enzo into custody in April 2024 after he allegedly mauled a contractor.

His owners have since launched a petition and a legal challenge against his seizure, with proceedings even being dragged into the Township of Langley’s split with LAPS nearly two weeks ago.

But on Friday, September 19, Enzo finally returned to his parents.

“The significance of this case is not only that a dog’s life was saved from death row, but it’s an important legal precedent for dogs seized by animal control,” said Rebeka Breder, animal rights lawyer for Enzo’s case.

“Going forward, animal control must pay much closer attention to the way it prepares documents for the purpose of a warrant to seize a dog to put on death row. Just as care is put in for humans, the same should be done for animals.”

Source: Rebeka Breder / Facebook

Enzo’s story spurred the first Charter of Rights case brought on behalf of dog owners, and Breder added that courts agreed with her argument, stating “the warrant used for his seizure was invalid”.

LAPS and the Township of Langley have also confirmed Enzo’s return, both citing a resolution of Provincial Court proceedings.

The two parties “will not be commenting further” as a result.