MASONVILLE TOWNSHIP — Following multiple reports of loose horses roaming Masonville Township, Michigan State Police (MSP) is working to resolve the ongoing situation after repeated escapes over the past two weeks raised safety concerns for both the animals and motorists.

The MSP Gladstone Post has reportedly responded to multiple incidents involving loose horses in the area of T.65 Road in Masonville Township.

On June 29, MSP was requested to conduct a welfare check on horses in the area. During that check, the responding trooper observed that the horses appeared to be healthy and had access to food and water, according to MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer Benjamin Eckola.

On the evening of July 3, MSP responded to multiple reports of loose horses running into roads in the area, including US-41 near Sunnybrook Lane. It was reported that nearby fireworks startled the horses, causing them to break through a fence and run loose.

Troopers and assisting law enforcement attempted to locate the horses, though they were initially unsuccessful. Eckola noted Troopers were diverted from looking for the horses to respond to a high-priority emergency call.

Then, on July 4, a MSP trooper received a call from a person who said they thought they knew who the horses belonged to. That same day, a trooper made contact with the horses’ owner who reportedly did not know they had been missing.

The next day, MSP received another report that stated the horses were located at a nearby farm, where the agency says they have remained and been cared for since.

As of Friday, the owner — who MSP had not yet identified — had not retrieved the horses. MSP said alternative measures are being explored to help ensure the safety of both the horses and the motoring public.

If evidence of criminal wrongdoing is identified, MSP said the findings will be submitted to Delta County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Wickman for review.

Wickman told the Daily Press, “Our office has been assisting Michigan State police with the investigation and situation.”

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, or UPAWS, also posted a statement to Facebook on Thursday, saying they are aware of the ongoing situation involving the horses at large in Delta County.

“We understand many of you have questions and are wondering why the horses haven’t yet been safely contained,” UPAWS wrote. “At this time, Sally’s Fund cannot legally intervene or remove the horses until authorization is received from the Delta County Prosecutor.”

Sally’s Fund, managed by UPAWS, “offers equines throughout the region the protection they deserve and also creates equine education opportunities to prevent unnecessary neglect,” according to their website.

The fund was established in memory of Sally Paajanen, an avid horsewoman, who was murdered in 2003.

“Please know we are ready, willing and able to assist as soon as that authorization is given,” UPAWS said.

The shelter said any future updates will be shared to their Facebook page as they become available.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.