Seven Escaped Wild Mustangs Captured in Iredell County, Owners Charged

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Iredell County Animal Services says seven of the 10 wild mustangs that escaped from a local property earlier this month have now been safely captured.

According to officials, the horses escaped on May 11, prompting a large-scale recovery effort involving Iredell County Animal Services, the Bureau of Land Management, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Authorities say the location of the captured horses is not being released at this time due to safety concerns.

Officials have charged the owners of the animals, Kameron Steele of Harmony and Favor Springs of Gastonia, under North Carolina General Statute 68-16, which prohibits allowing livestock to run at large. The misdemeanor charges stem from allegations that the herd was not properly confined and that the owners failed to provide the required cooperation during recovery efforts.

Animal Services says crews continue actively monitoring the area, patrolling locations where the horses have been spotted, and responding to citizen reports as efforts continue to locate the remaining three mustangs.

Officials are urging the public and rescue organizations not to approach or attempt to capture the horses. Authorities say sudden contact could spook the animals and increase the risk of them running into roadways or dangerous terrain.

Anyone who spots one of the remaining horses is asked to immediately contact Iredell County Animal Services or local law enforcement.