News Release
Southeastern States District Office, MS

For Additional Information:

Shayne Banks, 601-919-4652

Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Event in Lumberton, North Carolina

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a wild horse and burro adoption event in Lumberton, North Carolina, on April 21-22, 2017.  The two-day event at the Southeastern NC AG Events Center in Lumberton will feature dozens of outstanding wild horses and burros.  The event will take place from 8AM – 5PM on Friday, April 21, and 8AM – 4PM on Saturday, April 22.  The BLM will offer all animals for the minimum adoption fee of $125 (set by law).  A second horse or a “buddy” can be adopted for $25.00.

The horses offered for adoption are adult and yearling horses and burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West.  The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range in order to maintain healthy herds, and to protect other rangeland resources.  The adoption program is essential for achieving these important management goals.  Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 235,000 of these “living legends” in approved homes across the country.

BLM staff will approve applications on-site.  To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse.  Adopters must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with free 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, stock-type trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors.  BLM staff will be on-hand to assist adopters through the short application process.

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.

Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Events Center is located at 1027 U.S. Highway 74 (E) in Lumberton, NC. From I-95 North or South take exit 13A onto I-74. Travel a short distance (stay in right lane) and take exit 210. At the top of the ramp turn left. The facility will be on your right after you cross the bridge. Follow signs. For more information, call (601) 919- 4672 or visit www.blm.gov.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands