Hestand Stadium’s stables, behind the main arena, is the site of an adoption drive to find homes for wild horses and burros.
The adoption is part of a federal program called the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. The law was established to protect herds of these wild animals that roam the western plains of Nevada and Wyoming.
Emma Rinehart with the Bureau of Land Management that oversees the adoptions said that it’s a program that ensures the health and safety of the animals.
“We have monitors that watch how much food and water is available and we make sure that they don’t become over populated,” she said.
The program is open to anyone who would like to adopt and has the means to take care of a horse or burro. The adoption process allows someone to take the horse home, but it remains the property of the government until after a year, in which a title is given to declare full ownership of the animal.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We have people that go out and make sure that the horses are being taken care of. We want to find them fat and happy,” Rinehart said.
The cost to adopt is $125 for the first animal and $25 for the next. It may appear to be a bargain for horses and burros that have been medically examined and immunized before adoption, but as the contract states a fine of $2,000 or a year in jail awaits those who violate the rules and don’t properly care for the animals.
Dawn Dyer, along with her husband, David, adopted three horses Friday.
“It would be irresponsible to adopt these horses if you didn’t know what you are doing,” Dyer said when asked whether she would feel confident to adopt on her own. “It wouldn’t be good for the horses.”
She admitted that her husband has the experience and they have the land and space as well. Dyer expressed concern over having people who know how to care for these animals adopt them. It’s a sentiment that the bureau also has and works to make sure to keep track of each adopted animal, officials said.
“We use a cold brand that discolors the hair so it’s not painful, but it’s our way of tracking each animal,” Rhinehart said.
She explained that though they can’t follow up with every horse as quickly as they like, they are vigorous in checking to make sure the animals are doing well before ownership is given after the year is completed.
The horses and burros will be available for adoption through Sunday at Hestand Stadium. Details: Call 1-888-274-2133.