For Immediate Release: May 18, 2000
Contact: Sheri Bell 303.239.3670

BLM Holds Wild Horse and Burro Adoption

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering about 50 wild horses and burros for adoption in Burlington, Colorado,  Saturday, June 17. The animals-studs, mares, yearlings, and burros of all colors-will be available at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds in Burlington. This is BLM's first horse and burro adoption held in Burlington. The horses and burros for this adoption have been gathered from rangelands in the western United States.

This is an excellent opportunity to adopt great animals. Using competitive silent bids, animals will be adopted by the highest bidder. Minimum bid is $125.

Registration for the adoption will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, and 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 17. Opportunities for viewing will be concurrent with registration Actual bidding will occur between 8:00 and 9: 30 a.m. Saturday.

Applications for adoption are available from any BLM office but must be received at the Cañon City office for approval by 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14. Those who miss the approval deadline must bring a veterinary certification attesting that their facility meets adoption criteria.

Potential adopters must ...

- be at least 18 years of age (parents can adopt for children)

- have at least 400 square feet of corral space per horse with a fence at least six feet high made of poles, pipes, or planks

alternate height requirements...

- five feet for animals under 18months of age

- five feet for animals put in the Wild Horse Inmate Training Program

- four-and-a-half feet for burros

- have shelter available for the animal

- have no convictions of inhumane treatment to animals

- agree to the terms of the Private Maintenance and Care Agreement

- have a sturdy, covered 4-horse or larger trailer without drop gates to transport the animals

For specific information or to request required forms, contact the BLM in Cañon City at 719.269.8500.

Learn more about BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program on the Internet at http://www.blm.gov/whb