Published: July 28, 2008 11:52 am            

Horse adoption program to be in Decatur, Ala.

Submitted by the Bureau of Land Management



The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) Wild Horse and Burro adoption program is coming to Decatur, Ala., Aug. 22-24, at the Celebration Arena Show Grounds. Because the overpopulation of wild horses and burros on western public rangelands could cause these wonderful animals to suffer from over competition for food and water, some of them are being gathered so they will not starve to death.

Approximately 70 wild mustangs and burros will be available for adoption, ranging from yearling to five years old. “These horses are solid, exceptional animals that will make a great addition to any horse lover’s barn,” said BLM-ES state director Juan Palma.

“The beauty and agility of a wild horse or burro is unlike any other animal,” said Palma. “Wild horses that have been gentled do incredibly well at western riding events, dressage, and trail riding. They are noted for their endurance and intelligence and make great additions to your farm or ranch. Burros are extremely helpful to farmers or ranchers for protecting young livestock and sheep from predators, such as coyotes and wild dogs,” he said.

The adoption will be on a first come, first served basis. Adoption hours are Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. A minimal adoption fee of $125 for animals less than three years of age and $25 for animals three and older is required for adoption. In addition, you can take home a buddy animal for only $25 when you adopt any animal at the full fee of $125.

“It is important that these magnificent animals from the Wild West find caring homes,” said Palma. “Decades of careful management and attention have gone into preserving these wonderful animals and with the public’s help through these adoptions, we are able to save wild horses and burros for future generations of Americans.”

Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals that are 20’ x 20’ (or larger), at least 6 feet high for horses, 5 feet high for a yearling horse or burro, and have a shelter directly attached to the corral. Adopters must provide a stock-type, step up trailer (ramps or split two-horse type trailers are not allowed for safety reasons).

For more information on the application process, call 1-866-4MUSTANGS or visit www.blm.gov, click on programs, then Wild Horse and Burro. Potential adopters are asked to call early to be pre-approved and avoid waiting in line. You can also visit the Web site www.blm.gov to receive requirement information and instructions to become a qualified adopter.



Location: Celebration Arena Show Grounds, Hwy 67East (at the Priceville exit off of I65), Decatur, Ala.



Background:

All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and blood-tested. Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, more than 219,000 animals have been adopted nationwide.

The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical and cultural resources on the public lands.

        

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