The Manteca Police Department will be making changes on how it handles animal adoptions after a situation earlier this month involving an adoption that unfortunately ended with the animal passing away.

In a lengthy Facebook post published on Thursday, the agency laid out its position on the scenario that resulted in significant social media traction over the last week with claims that a disease outbreak is currently sweeping through the Manteca Animal Shelter after an animal that was adopted on July 1 fell ill and passed away.

According to the Manteca Police, claims of any outbreak at the shelter are untrue and none of the animals currently being housed there are showing any signs of illness. All are vaccinated except for three dogs that are kept in quarantine.

The animal that was adopted was brought into the shelter on June 26, according to the agency, and for some reason was not vaccinated – which is standard procedure for dogs that are not microchipped, which this particular one was not.

On July 1 the dog was checked out for “Doggie Day Out” – a program where animals eligible for adoption are taken out of the shelter for a few hours by temporary foster parents to lessen the “kennel stress” that animals can suffer when kept in those conditions.

That family enjoyed the time with that dog so much that they called the animal shelter and adopted the pet over the phone – which should have had a happy ending.

The dog fell ill shortly thereafter and taken to a local veterinarian where it ultimately passed away.

The Manteca Police expressed its sorrow to the family who lost their newly adopted pet in its statement and pledged to remain accountable – even going so far as paying for the veterinary bills incurred as a result of the animal’s illness.

“At the Manteca Police Department, we take responsibility for our community and the animals in our care. We have contacted the veterinarian and have notified the dog owner that we have accepted responsibility and have covered the vet bill expenses incurred during this difficult time,” the agency wrote. “As with everything at the Manteca Police Department, we strive for transparency and to keep the public apprised of situations that may occur at our Animal Shelter (both good and bad).”

As a result of what occurred, the agency has said it will now no longer allow adoptions to occur over the phone and will create a system to ensure that all adult dogs that are not microchipped are vaccinated upon receipt at the shelter.

“While it is extremely unfortunate that this occurred at our facility, we are using this as a teaching moment and making corrections where they are necessary,” the agency said. “We are committed to providing support, empathy, and accountability to our community members.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this challenging period.”

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.