For Release: March 6, 2006
Contact: Doran Sanchez (951) 697-5220; E-mail: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-06-46

Wild Mustang and Burro Adoption Returns to Ramona

If you have ever considered adopting a wild horse or burro . . . . then don't miss the opportunity this weekend (March 11-12) when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer 80 Mustangs and 20 burros to qualified adopters through its Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program at the Ramona Community Fairgrounds.

"We will have an excellent selection of Mustang yearlings, geldings, and mares and burros available for adoption," said Doran Sanchez, BLM spokesperson for southern California. "The animals have been vaccinated and wormed, are in excellent health, and just hoping to find a good home."

The animals were gathered from public lands from California, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado. BLM monitors the herds and removes animals when they begin to over populate their herd area, which ensure the rangelands will remain healthy for the remaining wild horses and burros, native wildlife, and permitted livestock.

The animals should arrive at the fairgrounds around noon on Friday, March 10 and will be available for public viewing. BLM will open the facility at 7 a.m. Saturday morning to give adopters time to view the animals and complete their applications. Adopters must have an approved application to adopt a wild horse or burro.

The adoption will be conducted by silent competitive bid Saturday morning only from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., which provides all adopters an equal opportunity to adopt the animal of their choice. The minimum fee for the competitive bid will start at $125 per animal.

Animals not selected during the competitive bid will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis for the remainder of Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday for $125 per animal. The adoption fee may be paid by cash, check or credit card.

Individuals must be 18 years old, a resident of the United States, and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Adopters must have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and should have some experience training a horse or burro. Qualified individuals 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 are not be allowed. BLM Wranglers will load the animals into the trailers. Private carriers also will be available to help transport their newly adopted animal(s).

This is BLM's only scheduled adoption in the San Diego area this year. "While we hope to find all the animals a good home, the adoption also is an excellent opportunity for the public to see and learn more about America's wild horses and burros," added Sanchez.

For more information about the adoption and adoption requirements contact the BLM at (800) 951-8720.

-BLM-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media is welcome to attend the adoption anytime. We will deliver the animals about noon on Friday, March 10, which generally provides excellent photo opportunities. Or, if you would prefer, come Saturday and Sunday morning and interview and photograph adopters with their newfound friend(s). For more information contact Doran Sanchez at (951) 697-5220.