Drought-weary animals rounded up

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000 | 11:31 a.m.

Horse, burro adoptions

The wild horses and burros gathered by the Bureau of Land Management because of a summer drought in the Red Rock Canyon area will be put up for adoption in October.

Tinder-dry conditions and wildfires across Nevada have forced the emergency roundup of 600 wild horses and burros this summer, including 26 horses and 43 burros at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

The 2.28 inches of rain that fell on Red Rock on Tuesday came too late to help the gaunt animals, which showed the effects of the long drought with dull coats and the shape of their bones showing under their skins.

The animals were removed from Red Rock and the Spring Mountains because many of Red Rock's 40 streams dried up, John Jamrog of the Bureau of Land Management's Las Vegas District Office said.

Conditions are so bad in Nevada's wildlands this summer that the BLM is looking for good homes for the extra animals. About 4,000 horses and burros across the country are awaiting adoption, said Lee Delaney, group manager for the BLM's horse and burro program in Reno.

Ten horses and 39 burros from Red Rock were sent to Ridgecrest, Calif., while 16 horses and four burros will be up for adoption Oct. 8 in Las Vegas, after they are fed and tamed, Jamrog said.

The BLM routinely monitors the herds and removes animals when they overpopulate an area. The removals ensure the rangeland remains healthy for wild horses, burros, native wildlife and permitted livestock, Delaney said.

To qualify for adopting a wild mustang or burro, 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 such animals and some experience training or raising a horse or burro.

A stock trailer is required to transport the animals. Qualified individuals may adopt up to four animals.

The BLM keeps title to the animals for a year after the adoption, Delaney said. During the year a BLM or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animals are well cared for and have a good home. Adopted animals cannot be sold during the first year.

After that, adopters may apply for title to the animal. The animals become private property only after the BLM transfers the title.

More than 175,000 animals have been placed in private homes since the Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program began in 1973.