Ford Rides to the Rescue of Wild Mustangs

DEARBORN, Mich. — The federal government has turned to Ford Motor Company, the maker of the Mustang, for help in preventing the slaughter of wild mustangs.

In a statement on its Web site, Ford said: "It saddened us to learn that many wild horses are in jeopardy, and it was an easy decision to help when asked by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. We are working with this federal government agency to investigate a way to sustain these horses that are such an integral part of American lore and tradition."

Ford gave $19,000 to save 52 mustangs from slaughter on Monday, Ford spokesman Jon Harmon told the Inside Line.

"We are close to ironing out details on a broader program," Harmon said. "We are looking to save greater numbers of horses. We expect to talk to Mustang [car] club owners, too. There would be an opportunity to pledge support to a cause to keep the mustangs alive."

Congress in December replaced a 34-year-old ban on slaughtering Mustangs with a law permitting older and unwanted horses to be sold. Animal advocates said that allows the horses to be killed and sold as dog food or sold to people overseas for food.

What this means to you: For $19,000, Ford got some great publicity and saved some animals who were lucky enough to have the same name as one of the company's hottest vehicles. Good all around.