KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 10, 2024
By Natalie Cook Clark
A Jordan High School senior and his friends rescued an owl caught in the school soccer net over the weekend. He encourages Katy residents to not give up when saving local wildlife.
Photo credits to Pedro Lacure
Jordan Soccer Players Find Owl Caught in School Net
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Jordan High School senior Pedro Lacure and his friends Marc and Rod went to train up at the school like they always do. When they arrived at the soccer practice field in the back they noticed that their teammates were only using one goal because an animal seemed to be stuck in the other.
Jordan High School Senior Determined to Save Owl
“I got close to see if it was dead but then out of nowhere it started to rapidly move,” explains Lacure. “Then out of nowhere it turns its head at a 180° angle and we realize it’s an owl.”
The owl had the soccer net stuck around its neck and entire body. Lacure quickly called his mom to ask what they should do. She advised posting to Facebook for help and to call authorities to see how they could best save the owl.
“I proceeded to call animal control, wildlife control, and even the veterinarian; nobody answered because apparently they don’t work on the weekends, which seemed strange because I thought they were 24/7,” says Lacure. “So, then I called the cops. The woman on the phone was really kind to me. She told me that she would send someone there and she did.”
Lacure then called a family friend, Oriana Mafioli, who he knew was good with animals. At this point Lacure and his friends were getting very concerned about the owl and decided that they would help it themselves despite people telling them it could be dangerous. He went home to get a ski jacket and gloves for protection.
“I didn’t care, I wanted to save that animal. It was in pain and nobody else was going to or so I thought,” says Lacure.
“When I arrived back at Jordan, I saw the gates open with at least seven cars outside,” says Lacure. “It turns out the Facebook post that me and my mom did work.”Lacure describes the rescue as being a team effort as they all worked to save the owl.
“The happiness and all our eyes seeing this owl being free again was very heartwarming,” says Lacure. “To anyone that ever comes across an animal that is hurt, always never give up and always try to help the animal.”
Katy is Abundant in Wildlife
Katy is home to many wild animals and sometimes they can get themselves in trouble. Katy residents can reach animal control and other authorities, but as Lacure learned, they aren’t available on the weekends.
Katy has many animal groups such as the Cinco Ranch Area Lost and Found Pet Network. While this group is known for helping Katy families reunite with their animals, they are also a great resource for animal rescue, as it proved in this case.
County animal control contacts:
Harris County 281-999-3191
Fort Bend County 281-342-1512
Waller County 979-826-8033
Local law enforcement are always available, but social media is a great resource in cases such as this.
Local authorities always ask residents to proceed with caution when attempting to help a wild animal.