Wild horse & burro adoption event planned
The Bureau of Land Management will hold a wild horse and burro adoption event in Hot Springs Oct. 20-21. The two-day event at the Garland County Fairgrounds will feature dozens of “outstanding animals.” The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The BLM will offer all animals for the minimum adoption fee of $125, set by law.
The horses offered for adoption are adult and yearling wild horses and burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range in order to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 240,000 of these “living legends” in approved homes across the country.
BLM staff will approve applications onsite. To qualify, prospective adopters must be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse. Adopters must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with free access to food, water and shelter. A 6-foot corral fence is required for adult horses; 5 feet for yearlings; and 4 1/2 feet for burros. All animals must be loaded in covered, stock-type trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors. BLM staff will be on hand to assist adopters through the short application process.
The process is called an “adoption” because the BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM representative or designee 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 may apply for title. The 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 the BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.
The Garland County Fairgrounds are located at 4831 Malvern Road, Hot Springs. For more information, call toll-free 866468-7826 or 601-919- 4670 or visit http://www.blm.gov.