10 mustangs are still running loose in Iredell County. Horse owner charged
Ten mustangs have been roaming the roads and highways of Iredell County since last week, which may not seem unusual if you were picturing sports cars.
But these mustangs are a herd of horses that escaped a person’s property on May 11 and have since been seen running along Interstate 40 and Highway 70, the county said in a news release.
“Because these animals have been spotted near major roadways, including Interstate 40 and Highway 70, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution when driving through these areas, particularly during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours,” the news release said.
As of Tuesday, none of the horses have been recovered, said Iredell County Animal Control investigator Codie Goforth.
The owner of the horses was charged with allowing livestock to run at-large forbidden, a misdemeanor. Animal Control can charge people with misdemeanors under North Carolina law.
Goforth declined to name the person charged.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to sightings of the horses near Eufola Road, Lewis Ferry Road and other nearby areas on Monday, the news release said.
Trooper Jake Macchia said in a phone call Tuesday that the owner of the horses purchased them at an auction in Monroe. Darsee Heath, a county spokesperson said she did not know the horses’ background or the owner’s name.
Animal control will determine what will happen to the horses after they’ve been captured, Heath said.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said his office would assist with searching for the animals on Wednesday using drones.
Anyone who sees the horses are asked to call Iredell County Animal Control or local law enforcement.
“We ask members of the public not to attempt to approach or capture the wild mustangs themselves, as this may scare the herd and drive them further into traffic or dangerous terrain,” the news release said.
The number for animal control is 704-878-5424.
