News Release

For Release:  October 09, 2008                                                          
Contact:  David Briery, 951-697-5220; email  david_briery@ca.blm.gov 
 CA-CDD-09-04

Wild Horses and Burros Offered for Adoption in Beaumont

Spirit ... endurance…trainability...describe the American Mustang ... qualities embodied in America’s wild horses and burros that roam our nation’s rangelands, and these living legends are available for adoption at the Noble Creek Arena in Beaumont  on Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 2008, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program.  Spectators are welcome. 

Thirty young weanlings and 10 burros are available for adoption.  The mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health.

Animals arrive at noon on Friday, Oct. 31, and potential adopters may view the mustangs and burros from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  BLM staff will approve adoption applications beginning 8 a.m. on Saturday; the  lottery adoption starts at 9 a.m., followed by first come, first served.  Approved adopters will receive a lottery number, and the first pick is drawn randomly at 9 a.m. The lottery provides all adopters an equal opportunity to adopt the animal of their choice for $125.00.  Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
 
Qualified adopters must be 18 years old, have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and have some experience training or raising a horse or burro.  Adopters also must be residents of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.  Qualified individuals with the proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.

Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in enclosed corrals with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20’x20’ or larger) per animal.  Corral fences must be at least 4 ½ feet high for burros, 6 feet high for ungentled horses, and 5 feet high for horses under 18 months of age.  Fences should be of pole, pipe, or plank constructions.  Barbed wire is not allowed in stalls or corrals.  The corrals also must contain structures to provide shelter for the 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 the animals into the 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 animal. Adopters must notify BLM if the animal is 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.
 
Directions to Beaumont’s Noble Creek Arena:  from I-10,  exit Oak Valley Parkway (14th St.), go east one mile to Noble Creek Park, 38900 Oak Valley Parkway.  For more information about the Beaumont adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program contact BLM toll free at 866-4MUSTNGS, or visit our website at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.  

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, Ca - (951) 697-5200