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Manville police detail procedural lapses after bulldog died in city custody; training, cooling and scanner changes ordered
Summary
The Manville Police Department reported procedural lapses in the handling of two impounded dogs after the May 16 intake; one dog was later found dead. The review found missed intake paperwork, unavailable microchip scanning, and a lack of shift‑change shelter checks.
The Manville Police Department provided a summary of an internal investigation on July 21 into the death of a French bulldog impounded on May 16, 2025. Chief (presentation) said the investigation is not yet finalized but that preliminary findings show procedural lapses that may have contributed to the animal’s death.
What the investigation found: The chief reported the following procedural oversights: the responding officer did not complete the required intake documentation or scan for a microchip because the microchip scanner had been removed from the patrol area; the shelter was not inspected at shift change as required; communication staff who photographed animals sent pictures to an off‑duty animal control officer but did not notify the on‑call animal control officer; and animal control was not formally notified about the impound until several days later. One of the dogs was discovered dead during a routine shelter check in the early morning hours of May 17.
Legal and operational clarifications: The chief cited provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code (sections discussed in the meeting) stating that microchip scanning is required “as soon as practical” after an animal is placed in custody, not necessarily the instant of impoundment. The chief said food, water and a clean kennel were provided on intake and that the investigation found no evidence of cruelty or intentional inhumane treatment.
Corrective actions: The department said it has revised intake and communication procedures, ordered a replacement microchip scanner and permanently stationed one in the patrol room, restructured animal‑control supervision, increased staff training, and will acquire portable cooling for current and future shelter facilities. The chief accepted responsibility for an initial statement that had been released in early July and emphasized that new facts can emerge as investigators interview witnesses.
Council follow up: Council asked for the complete investigative report and the chief said the investigator was finalizing it; the council scheduled an executive session to discuss the completed investigation once the report is available.
Ending: The department pledged transparency and said it would provide the final report to council; operational changes to scanner placement, training and shelter temperature control are already in motion.
