News Release

For Release:  August 11, 2008                                                            
Contact:  Stephen Razo (951) 697-5217  Email: srazo@ca.blm.gov
 CA-CDD-08-62

Wild Horses, Burros Neighing to be Adopted in Norco

Wild horses and burros will be offered to qualified adopters at Ingalls Arena in Norco, Calif. on Aug. 16 and 17 through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Wild Horse or Burro Program. All animals are $125.00 and spectators are welcome. Horse trainer Joe Meisner will offer free wild horse gentling demonstrations between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 
 
Potential adopters may view the animals on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Adopters will draw a lottery number once their application is approved.  The lottery bid is Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. and provides all adopters equal opportunities to adopt the animals of their choice. 

Animals not selected during the lottery will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis for the remainder of Saturday and Sunday. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
 
Adopters must be at least 18 years old, residents of the United States, and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Adopters also must have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and should have some experience training or raising a horse or burro. Qualified individuals with proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.
 
Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot, cotton lead rope for each animal. A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s). Drop-ramp trailers will not be allowed. BLM wranglers will load animals onto trailers.
 
The process is called an "adoption" because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM compliance officer or designated representative 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 animals. Adopters must notify BLM if animals are moved.
 
After the first year, adopters may apply for title. 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 BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.
 
The wild horses and burros were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health. BLM monitors the herds and removes animals when they begin to over-populate their herd area. The removals ensure the rangelands will remain healthy for the remaining wild horses and burros, native wildlife, and permitted livestock
 
For more information about the Norco adoption or the bureau's Adopt-A-Wild Horse or Burro Program contact BLM toll free at  866-4 MUSTANGS, or (800) 951-8720.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA