The Humane Society of Missouri says it’s working to secure ownership of 25 horses and a mule that survived a crash Wednesday (Sept. 27) on Interstate 44 near Sullivan.

Investigators say the creatures were en route to a slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Ill., when a truck that was carrying them overturned.

Seven horses died at the scene, and nine were humanely euthanatized.

Jeane Jae (JAY) of the Humane Society says the center doesn’t want to let the horses go to slaughter. She says one mule and 17 horses are at four area equine hospitals