An urgent effort is underway in Hearne to find homes, foster placements and rescue partners for dozens of animals housed at Hope Rescue Center after renewed concerns about conditions at the shelter and a brief disruption in electric service.

Community volunteers and local officials said 33 dogs and 20 cats currently need placement. Supporters are urging residents, rescue groups and foster families to act quickly as the animals face continued uncertainty during the summer heat.

Volunteers said the situation became more pressing after word spread that electricity at the shelter had been disconnected for a short time Friday. According to local officials, the outage lasted about 45 minutes before service was restored. Officials said a utility worker disconnected the service after a power bill was mistakenly routed to a work truck. The City of Hearne had been covering the shelter's electric bill for months, officials said.

Even though power was restored, residents and volunteers said the episode highlighted ongoing problems at the shelter and the need to move animals to safe homes as soon as possible. City workers were also headed to the property Friday to address concerns involving the air conditioner.

The shelter's owner has reportedly not responded to repeated efforts to discuss the issues or work toward longer-term solutions, according to people involved in the response. Those familiar with the situation said options had been available to help stabilize the shelter, but those options were not pursued.

Despite the setbacks, volunteers and local government have stepped in to help. Animals are now being offered for free adoption to qualified homes, and foster placements are also urgently needed. Amanda is serving as the main contact for adoptions, fostering and rescue coordination and can be reached at 979-906-9307.

Supporters said Cactus Ranch Rescue provided immediate assistance by taking in cats from the shelter, easing some of the pressure. Even so, many animals remain in need of placement.

Local residents who cannot adopt are being encouraged to share information about the animals with friends, family and rescue contacts. Volunteers said every foster home, adoption and rescue transfer could make a critical difference.

The broader goal, community advocates said, is to empty the shelter so the animals are safe and future decisions about the property can move forward. Some interested parties have expressed a willingness to purchase the facility if the current owner cooperates, but regardless of what happens next, the immediate focus remains on the animals.

Anyone able to foster, adopt or help with rescue placement is encouraged to respond immediately. With temperatures high and the shelter facing continued strain, volunteers said the need for homes is urgent and the community's help is needed now.