safety
July 4 Safety Checklist for Pets
By Katelyn Carlock at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - The Fourth of July is packed with celebration, but the holiday can be stressful for pets frightened by loud fireworks.The Ector County Sheriff’s Office says this time of year often leads to an increase in lost animals as some pets panic and run off. To help keep your ...
Key takeaway The Ector County Sheriff’s Office says this time of year often leads to an increase in lost animals as some pets panic and run off.
Why this matters in The Midland
As Midland residents prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, the warnings from Ector County about pet safety are particularly relevant given the close proximity of the two communities. With many families in the Midland-Odessa area likely to have pets, taking the recommended precautions can help prevent the panic and stress caused by fireworks. For pet owners in Midland, this means not only taking steps to secure their homes but also being mindful of the potential for pets to escape and become lost. The advice to keep pets indoors and limit exposure to loud noises and flashes is especially crucial in a region where backyard fireworks displays are common. By following these simple guidelines, Midland pet owners can help ensure their pets remain safe and calm during the holiday, reducing the risk of lost animals and the subsequent strain on local animal shelters.
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: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - The Fourth of July is packed with celebration, but the holiday can be stressful for pets frightened by loud fireworks.The Ector County Sheriff’s Office says this time of year often leads to an increase in lost animals as some pets panic and run off. To help keep your ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 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 Katelyn Carlock 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 safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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