Ross T,
Burros Act, which was signed into law on December 6, 2004. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) is reviewing the new provision and is developing
guidelines to comply with the new law in an orderly and responsible manner.
As you may know, approximately 8,400 wild horses and burros are affected by
the new sale authority law. We are appealing to the public to help us try
to find long-term care for these animals. We have made preliminary
contacts to various groups that may be interested in acquiring these wild
horses and burros. These contacts, which are part of an aggressive
outreach campaign, include wild horse and burro advocacy groups, Indian
tribes, and humane organizations. If you are interested in helping, please
telephone (800) 710-7597 or email
wildhorse@blm.gov. The BLM will work in
good faith with all those interested in acquiring these animals for
long-term care.
Meanwhile, the BLM continues to be committed to the protection and
preservation of wild horses and burros on the range—this part of the
existing law and our current program efforts have not changed. The BLM’s
Adopt-A-Horse Program, which also was unchanged by the new law, continues
to be a major priority for us. The BLM will not be offering any animals
affected by the new law for sale at its adoptions.
Over the past 32 years, we have placed more than 203,000 animals in private
care through our Adopt-A-Horse Program. In 2005, we have scheduled
approximately 70 adoption events around the country. Additional
information can be found on our website at
www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.
To date, the BLM has been contacted by numerous individuals and groups
expressing concerns and suggestions regarding the new law. We are pleased
that they are sharing their views with us. Be assured that the BLM will
manage the Wild Horse and Burro Program to ensure healthy herds in balance
with healthy rangelands.
I hope the string of emails and faxes will help. 
