NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006 CA-N-06-95
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332

BLM OFFERS BURROS FOR ADOPTION AT LONGEARS CELE ‘BRAY’ TION

A limited number of wild burros, healthy and ready to train, will be offered for public adoption during the annual Longears Cele‘bray’tion, a fun-filled donkey and mule show set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15, at the Tehama County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff.

The Bureau of Land Management will offer the animals on a first-come, first served basis beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, at the Pauline Davis Pavilion.

Owners of mules and burros will compete during both days in traditional and slightly off-beat gymkhana, driving, halter and show events. Organizers said there will be plenty of entertainment for spectators as well.

“During these two days we try to tone down the serious nature of equine shows and just have some fun,” said organizer Virginia Freeman of Artois. “We’ll have events such as the Outhouse Trot, a Pony Express Relay, Gold Rush Race, Pancake Race, Pack Scramble, and jumping contests,” she said.

“We also want to show people that adopting a burro, wild horse or mule from the BLM adoption program is a fun and rewarding experience,” Freeman added.

Admission is free for spectators. There are fees for various events. Complete entry information and registration forms are available at www.ears4fun.com/longears_2006.htm.

Those who plan to adopt a burro from the BLM must complete an adoption application on site. They must be at least 18, and be able to provide facilities that meet BLM specifications.

Adopters must provide a pen with at least 400 square feet of living space per animal. Pens must be surrounded by a four-and-half-foot fence built of pipe or boards. Adopted burros must be kept in this enclosure until they can be approached, handled, haltered and led. Adopted animals initially remain the property of the U. S. government. After providing a year of good care adopters can receive title.

More information on the adoption program is available by calling the BLM toll free at 866-4MUSTANGS or by visiting www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

-BLM-

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