The effort to round up the ten wild mustangs on the loose is continuing. The horses got free in Iredell County last week. Iredell County Animal Services released the following statement Wednesday (May 20):

“Iredell County Animal Services (ICAS), in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the State Highway Patrol, has captured seven of the 10 wild mustangs that escaped from a local property on May 11. Due to safety concerns, the location of horses will not be disclosed at this time.

The owners of the animals, Kameron Steele of Harmony and Favor Springs of Gastonia, have been charged under NCGS 68‑16 (Allowing Livestock to Run at Large Forbidden, a misdemeanor) for failing to properly confine the herd and for not providing the required cooperation during recovery efforts.

ICAS continues to actively monitor the area, patrol impact zones, and respond to all citizen reports. We urge members of the public and rescue organizations not to approach, pursue, or attempt to capture the remaining mustangs. Sudden contact may startle the animals, increasing the risk of them entering roadways or other hazardous terrain.

If you see any of the remaining horses, please report the location immediately to Iredell County Animal Services or local law enforcement.”

[Information and photo courtesy of Iredell County Animal Services]