The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) visited the Hopkins County Civic Center on Friday and Saturday, promoting the adoptions of 120 wild horses and burros.
Once roaming on public lands with limited forage and water, a total of 65 animals left the arena, heading to their new homes with approved adopters after the two-day adoption event.
“It’s special that we have this many animals with this much color,” said Crystal Cowan of the BLM. All of the animals were dewormed and vaccinated for the event.
Holding a competitive bid at noon on Friday, a total of 35 animals were adopted out on the first day. “Many people want these animals for different reasons — from trail riding to companionship,” said Cowan.
According to the BLM, it is their goal to find every horse and burro a good home. Due to the fact these animals come in untrained and wild, the BLM offers $1,000 incentives to assist with adoptions.
Based on a decision made last July, the BLM announced additional steps it will take to secure the health and safety of adopted animals, including conducting an inspection of wild horses and burros adopted through the Adoption Incentive Program within six months of adoption date, rather than 12 months.
The BLM periodically removes excess animals from open ranges in order to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1971, the BLM has placed more than 280,000 of these animals in approved homes across the country.
The BLM staff approves applications onsite. To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18 years old, with no record of animal abuse. Qualified homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter.
A six-foot corral fence is required for adult horses; five feet for yearlings; and four-and-a-half feet for burros.
All animals must be loaded in covered, stocktype trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors. For more information, visit www.blm.gov.