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For Immediate Release: September 14, 2000
Contact: Doran Sanchez, (909) 697-5220; E-Mail: dasanche@ca.blm.gov
BLM to Offer Free Delivery for Wild Mustangs and Burros
Adopted at Special 1-Day Event
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is extending the operation of its regional corral facility on Saturday, September 23 to provide qualified adopters the opportunity to adopt a wild Mustang and burro, and will provide free home delivery within southern California for all animals adopted during this special 1-day event.
The adoption will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. An adoption fee of $125 per horse or burro is charged to help defray the cost of gathering and preparing the animals for adoption. This fee may be paid by cash, money order, or certified check. No personal checks or credit cards can be accepted. BLM wranglers will assist adopters in selecting their animals and completing the adoption applications.
All the animals have been wormed, had their primary and booster vaccinations, and Coggins test, and are just waiting for qualified adopters to give them a good home. To qualify, individuals must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the United States, and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Potential adopters must have adequate facilities and the financial means to provide for the animal(s), and should have some experience training or raising a horse or burro.
Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20' by 20') per animal during the initial gentling process. Corrals must be at least 5 feet high for burros and horses 12 months or younger, and 6 feet high for Mustangs older than 12 months. Corrals may be of pole, pipe, or plank construction and must not have any dangerous protrusions. Barbed wire is not allowed in stalls or corrals. The corral also must contain a structure to provide shelter for the animal. Qualified adopters with proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.
Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot lead cotton rope for each animal, and may bring their own stock trailer to transport their newly adopted animal(s) home. BLM wranglers will halter and load the animals into the trailers.
BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animal is being cared for and has a good home. During this time, adopters cannot sell their adopted animal.
After the first year, adopters must apply for title. BLM will pass title of the animal if all the stipulations of the adoption agreement have been met. The animal becomes the private property of the adopter only after BLM transfers the title, which completes the adoption process.
Wild horses and burros are removed from public lands throughout the Western States to protect the habitat and ensure there is adequate food for the remaining wild free-roaming horses and burros, wildlife, and livestock. These animals are then offered for adoption through the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program. Since the program began in 1973, more than 175,000 animals have been placed in good homes throughout the United States.
Animals also are available for adoption year-round at BLM's Ridgecrest Regional Corral Facility by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Corrals are located on the Randsburg Wash Road off Highway 178, four and a half miles east of Ridgecrest.
For more information about the adoption program or to schedule an appointment to adopt a wild horse or burro call BLM's Ridgecrest corral facility at (800) 591-8720.
-BLM-
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographers and reporters are welcome to attend the adoption anytime. Saturday morning generally provides excellent opportunities to interview and photograph adopters with their newfound friend(s). For more information contact Doran Sanchez at (909) 697-5220.
California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Blvd, Riverside, California - (909) 697-5220 |
