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URGENT
- Wild Horses & Burros
Heading
to Fort Smith, AR looking for NEW HOMES!
Thousands of acres of habitat
for America’s wild
horses and burros remain in danger due to the lingering
effects of drought and wildfires throughout the western
United States. Therefore, the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) has conducted several gathers aimed at saving as
many of these animals as possible. As a result, thousands
of horses are now in need of homes and some are already
in route to Fort
Smith, AR for adoption on June
19-21, 2008 at Kay Rogers Park.
The three-day event will be held
at Kay Rogers Park and will feature 80-90 spectacular animals – adult and
yearling horses and burros that once roamed free on public
lands in the West. Preview all of the animals all day
on Thursday, June 19. Gates open again Friday morning at
8 a.m., with a competitive bid adoption starting at 10:30
a.m. Following the competitive bid adoption Friday morning,
walkup adoptions will commence and continue until 5 p.m.,
then resume Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. until noon. Those
interested in taking part in the competitive bid adoption
are encouraged to come Thursday afternoon or early Friday
to complete their adoption applications in time; approval
is done on the spot. Adoption fees will range from $25.00
to $125.00.
“There will be some exceptional horses from
the western rangelands, and you can adopt one for a minimal
fee,” said BLM-ES State Director, Juan Palma. “These
wonderful animals need new homes and, with your consideration,
we’ll find great one’s for all of them.”
To qualify to adopt, bidders must
be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse. In addition,
adopters must have suitable facilities and can adopt no
more than four animals. All animals must be loaded in covered
stock-type trailers with sturdy walls and floors – no
drop ramp trailers.
“Wild mustangs are known for their strength, endurance,
agility, and intelligence – characteristics bred into
them in the wild which make them ideal for work or recreation,” said
Palma.
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. Since 1973, the BLM
has placed more than 219,000 horses in approved homes across
the country.
For more information, call toll-free 1-888-274-2133.
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