Animals

Amid a tough year for agriculture, the Lubbock County Junior Livestock Show proved the strength of community and youth dedication. From months of caring for animals to scholarship awards for graduating seniors, the annual event highlighted how the show raises more than livestock — it helps raise future leaders.

As of last week, candidates can file for the May 2 city and school board elections. Lubbock City Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up for election, as is the mayor's seat. The filing deadline is Feb. 13. The avian flu is making its rounds and both Lubbock Public Health and Texas Tech University are warning people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Our Olivia O'Rand reports dogs and cats are also susceptible if exposed. You can report sick or dead birds in the area to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 806-799-9142 and those on Tech campus to university operations at 806-742-4OPS.

In 2007, horse slaughter was banned within the United States. However, this ban does not keep sellers from sending tens of thousands of horses to be processed within Canada and Mexico. Beth Nickels, a local trauma surgeon, runs a horse rescue, working to give these horses a chance at a new life.

Equine herpesvirus can spread easily and debilitate an animal. A recent outbreak canceled several events across the country, but animal health authorities say cases seem to be easing.

Historically, Black bears were the biggest predator to travel the Big Bend area of Texas. But overhunting and habitat loss led to their decline.

With reports of bird flu in Lubbock, our Bishop Van Buren reports on a warning from the City of Lubbock asking residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds. Those who find sick or dead birds to report them to Lubbock Animal Service by calling 806-775-2057. Tonight at 6 P.M. is the deadline for candidates to file to run in Texas’ March 2026 primary elections. And after the Supreme Court ruled the state can use its 2025 redistricting map for the congressional midterms, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports Democrats are frustrated but hopeful.

Lubbock City Council has passed two amendments to city policy regarding pet ownership. The first changes the procedure for declaring and keeping a dangerous dog, including raising liability insurance to $1 million. Lubbock Animal Services hopes the second amendment will help prevent unwanted litters.

The last week of October is International Bat Week. Our Samantha Larned reports on research at Texas Tech's Natural Resource Management Department into how bats adapt to human infrastructure in the state. Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Texas Workforce Commission has awarded grants to four West Texas school districts as part of the Jobs and Educations for Texans program. Two of those grants are in partnership with South Plains College to train Denver City ISD and Seagraves ISD.

Bats love to munch on insects like stink bugs and moths. Some farmers are now relying on the mammals for pest control – and ditching chemicals.

The ground-dwelling bird's preferred grassland habitat overlaps with agricultural and energy-rich regions, putting the species' future in the hands of private landowners. In the second installment of a two-part series, StateImpact's Chloe Bennett-Steele reports on continued conservation efforts for the species.