BLM Holds Wild Horse and Burro Event in Mercedes, Texas
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NORMAN, Okla.— The Bureau of Land Management will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event in Mercedes, Texas, Jan. 27-28, at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds.
Animals are eligible for adoption. The event begins Friday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m. Adoptions will take place Jan. 27, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 a.m.-noon.
As part of the program’s efforts to find every horse and burro a good home, BLM now offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal and is offered to every animal in Mercedes. On July 26, 2021, BLM announced additional steps to secure the health and safety of animals through the Adoption Incentive Program, including conducting inspections of wild horses and burros within six months of the adoption date.
Animals offered at the event are adult and yearling horses along with burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West. BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption and sale program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1973, BLM has placed more than 280,000 of these animals in approved homes across the country.
BLM staff will approve applications onsite. To qualify:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse;
- Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water, and shelter;
- Corral fence must meet height requirements:
- Adult horses - 6 feet;
- Yearlings - 5 feet; and
- Burros - 4.5 feet; and
- Trailers must be stock type, covered, with swing gates and sturdy walls/floors.
BLM staff will be on hand to provide more information and to assist with the short application process.
The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds is located at 1000 North Texas Ave. (on U.S. Hwy. 83 in Mercedes, take the Texas Ave. exit, and go north approximately 2 blocks to the facility).
For more information, call 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.