It's a friendly competition, on behalf of dogs and cats, between two representatives of folks dedicated to public safety in the Aldergrove area.

This March, Capt. Bruce Farquhar of the Langley Township Fire Department, and Const. Dennis Bell of the Langley RCMP, will each take part in the Kennel Breakout event for the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS).

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.

"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 ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. That's why he's happy to support LAPS for the fundraiser.

"I'm excited about it," said Bell, a longtime RCMP officer who has called Aldergrove his beat in recent years.

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

Bell helped out last year, and heard the society was running the Kennel Breakout again.

"I was 100 per cent on board as far as helping," he said.

There will be a number of other participants for the upcoming event, but Farquhar and Bell will be squaring off for the honour of their respective protective services.

The person who receives fewer donations will get a pie in the face after the event.

"It's going to be a nice little healthy competition," said LAPS executive director Sarah Jones.

The Breakout will take place this year on March 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at the shelter. Up to 18 other participants are taking part as well, and LAPS is still signing up locals who can raise "bail money."

The fundraising goal this year is $20,000, said Tristyn MacLeod, the society's funds development coordinator.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact LAPS at 604-857-5055. To see some of the society's adoptable dogs and cats,