It's Hot

Houston SPCA's hot tips for helping wildlife during this scorching summer

Texas is suffering from scorching temperatures already, and our native wildlife is just as uncomfortable as we are.

The difference is that they typically can't retreat inside to some air conditioning, so it's up to us humans to make things more comfortable for them.

The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas is treating more emaciated wild animals for dehydration as they are struggling to find water. The Center has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of ill, injured, or orphaned animals from this time last year.

Among the impacted animals coming into the Center to receive fluid therapy for rehydration last Friday included a loon, woodpecker, yellow-crowned night- heron, and a mockingbird. The animals will be released once they have been rehabilitated.

While the experts treat these distressed wildlife, here are some small things you can do to help:

At least once a day, remove dirt and debris from birdbaths and fill with fresh, clean water.
Put out extra birdseed or suet in your yard.
Check under trees in your neighborhood for wildlife that may have fallen. If it’s safe to do so, place them in a box with soft rags and get them to the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas Center as soon as possible.
Never attempt to feed or give water to any distressed wildlife, as they may have other serious injuries.
If it’s after business hours, place them in a quiet environment, away from regular household noise and pets until you can get them to the Center.

For complete guidelines on helping distressed wild animals, please visit this webpage or call the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas at 713-861-9453.

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

Check under trees for distressed wildlife, like this baby mockingbird.

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana