Special to IFN

Iredell County Animal Services, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol, has captured seven of the 10 wild mustangs that escaped from a local property on May 11. Due to safety concerns, officials have not disclosed the location of the animals.

The owners of the mustangs, Kameron Steele of Harmony and Favor Springs of Gastonia, have been charged with a misdemeanor for failing to properly confine the herd and for not providing the required cooperation during recovery efforts.

Iredell County Animal Control personnel continue to monitor the area, patrol impact zones, and respond to all citizen reports.

Officials are urging 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.