local
Humane Society of Odessa overwhelmed as animals are thrown over fence
By Luke Johnson at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
ODESSA, Texas — Animal abandonment is illegal in Texas, but the Humane Society of Odessa says it is far over capacity as animals continue to be thrown over the shelter’s fence.In the past month alone, around 20 animals have been chained and thrown over the fence at the shelter. Staff said the ani...
Key takeaway “The biggest thing for animals especially is the ground temperatures because the air temperatures can get very hot, but the ground is what actually heats up the air,” said Ethan Yost, First Alert 7’s meteorologist.
Why this matters in The Midland
The surge in animal abandonment at the Humane Society of Odessa has significant implications for the broader Midland -Odessa community. As the shelter struggles to care for over 200 animals, the decision to close its Mockingbird Lane location will likely impact local residents who rely on the shelter's services. The financial strain on the shelter also highlights the need for increased support from the community, whether through donations or volunteer work. Furthermore, the issue of animal abandonment is closely tied to the region's economic and social challenges, as some pet owners may be forced to surrender their animals due to financial hardship. By addressing the root causes of animal abandonment and supporting local shelters, Midland and Odessa residents can work together to create a more compassionate and responsible community for both people and animals. The Humane Society's waiting list for surrendering animals is a crucial step in this direction.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas — Animal abandonment is illegal in Texas, but the Humane Society of Odessa says it is far over capacity as animals continue to be thrown over the shelter’s fence.In the past month alone, around 20 animals have been chained and thrown over the fence at the shelter. Staff said the ani...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Luke Johnson at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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