Wild Horses & Burros Available for Adoption in Winchester, CA

U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
News Release


For Immediate Release: Nov. 24, 2009 CA-CDD-10-18
Contact: David Briery, (951) 697-5220 or Steve Razo, (951) 697-5217


Wild Horses and Burros Available for Adoption in Winchester
Strength, endurance, and spirit are qualities embodied in wild horses and burros that roam America’s rangelands. These living legends are available for adoption at Winchester Wild West Arena in Winchester, Calif. on Dec. 5, 2009, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program. The mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health. Spectators are welcome.
Animals arrive at noon on Friday December 4, and potential adopters may view the mustangs and burros from 1 to 5 p.m. An excellent media opportunity exists at noon when the animals arrive and unload. Approved adopters will receive a lottery number, which is required to participate in the lottery adoption Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. The lottery adoption provides all adopters an equal opportunity to adopt the animal of their choice. BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The adoption fee is $125.00 per animal. Animals not selected during the lottery adoption will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis for the remainder of Saturday. 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 would have some experience training or raising a horse or burro. Adopters also must be a resident 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.
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 Winchester Arena: from Interstate 215 exit S.H. 74 East; turn south on S.H. 79 S./ Winchester Road; turn west on 9th Street to 32150 S. Grand Ave. For more information about the Winchester adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program, contact BLM toll free at 866-4MUSTANGS or visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.



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