BLM Wild Mustang and Burro Adoption Returns to Ventura

February 10, 2006
Santa Paula News
Approximately 80 wild Mustangs and 20 wild burros will be offered to qualified adopters at the Ventura County Fairgrounds at Seaside Park in Ventura on February 25-26 through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program. The animals will arrive at the fairgrounds around noon on Friday, February 24. Potential adopters may view the animals on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. BLM staff will approve adoption applications Friday afternoon and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.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. Adopters will receive a bidder number once their application is approved, which they must have to participate in the competitive bid portion of the adoption.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. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.Individuals must be at least 18 years old, a resident 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. The wranglers will load the animals into the trailers. Private carriers also will be available to help adopters transport their newly adopted animal(s) home if needed.The process is called an “adoption” because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM 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 must 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. More than 215,000 animals have been placed in private homes since the Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program began in 1973. The Mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in California, and 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 livestockFor more information about the Ventura adoption or the Bureau’s Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program contact BLM at (661) 391-6049.



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