Georgia farm rescues 14,500 wild horses from slaughter pipeline

Casey Montana runs War Angel Farms in Canton, Georgia, where she treats horses rescued from slaughter pipelines. The 100-acre property accepts animals primarily from kill pens in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Recent images of wild horse roundups have increased public scrutiny of these facilities.

Rumor, a pregnant quarter horse, arrived at the farm severely malnourished. Montana identified the animal’s racing background by tracing a tattoo on her lip. "It just shows you that any kind of horse can end up at a kill pen," Montana said. Another foal, Birdie, was five days old when she arrived. The foal spent three months on medication to recover from respiratory and immune-system issues.

The Bureau of Land Management’s fiscal 2026 schedule calls for gathering more than 14,500 wild horses and burros. The agency states it removes animals to protect herd health and public rangelands. Advocates worry that some government-sold horses may be resold and exported for slaughter, though the BLM says it does not sell or send horses to slaughter.

Montana began her rescue work approximately 10 years ago after buying a horse named Mr. Bojangles from a kill pen. He died three months later. "Couldn't save him. Tried really hard. He was such a big part of my heart," she said. His death motivated her to continue the work.

The farm also houses goats, pigs, donkeys, and Ringo, an 80-pound African spurred tortoise. The tortoise traveled from a New York rescue to Georgia. "He's so smart. He walks around with me," Montana said. She uses a wheelbarrow to move the animal due to its weight.

War Angel Farms serves people alongside animals. Montana works with individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, veterans, and those convicted of DUI offenses. Participants perform community service and bond with the animals. "It just brings healing to my heart and theirs," Montana said.

The farm reflects Montana’s family history. Her father, a Vietnam Marine, built the roads, fences, and pastures. He taught her that farm life requires a big heart. "Because this was his heaven on earth," she said. "And I think he'd be proud to see how it's grown."