For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Contact: Lorraine Buck, 520.404.9891 (cell)

            Tucson, Ariz. – Wild horses and burros that represent the spirit of the historic west will be available for adoption during the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Adoption held in conjunction with the Pima County Fair, April 25, 26 and 27 in Tucson, Ariz. The BLM adoption office and horse corrals will be located on the west side of the fairgrounds.

            On Friday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., applications will be accepted and you may register for Saturday's Auction. 

           On Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. applications will be accepted and you may register to participate in the auction. From 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. a silent auction begins, and results of the auction are announced immediately. Following the auction, qualified adopters who successfully bid on an animal, may participate in a lottery to purchase an additional “buddy horse” for $25.00. Separate facilities must be available for each animal adopted.

           On Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The adoption site will remain open for applications, and all remaining animals can be adopted at the minimum price of $125 each. All adopted animals must be loaded and transported home by 5 p.m.

            Each wild horse and burro will need a corral made of sturdy material (minimum 400 square feet), shade, feed, water, and transportation home from the adoption. BLM will load each animal with the adopter’s halter and lead rope into an acceptable trailer. Drop-ramp, open-top and two-horse trailers are prohibited, except for transporting burros.

            Silent bids must start with the minimum bid of $125, and may continue as high as the adopters choose for the duration of the auction. Payment may be made by cash, check or major credit card and must be processed prior to pick up of the animal(s).

            The BLM offers wild horses and burros gathered from overpopulated herds on public lands in the west. The animals vary in age and color. Prior to being offered for adoption, all wild horses and burros are vaccinated, wormed, and Coggins-tested.

            The Pima County Fairgrounds are located at 11300 S. Houghton Road. From Interstate 10, exit 275. Call today for adoption application and information:  Phoenix (623) 580-5500 or 1-866-4MUSTANGS or on the web at: www.az.blm.gov or www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

 

February 22-24 – Apache Junction Rodeo Park

March 28-30 – Casa Grande Fairgrounds