Government Paying Adopters to Reduce Wild Horse Population

(WASHINGTON, DC) As part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) effort to find good homes for wild horses and burros removed from public lands, the agency is offering new financial incentives to encourage the adoption of one or more animals. The program is part of the BLM’s efforts to confront a growing over-population of wild horses and burros on fragile rangelands and in off-range holding facilities, which cost taxpayers nearly $50 million per year to maintain. The wild horse and burro population on public lands is estimated at more than 82,000 animals – more than triple the size the land can support. High costs and a growing number of unadopted and unsold animals in BLM holding facilities have hindered the agency’s ability to reduce over-population in recent years. Chronic overpopulation increases the risk of damage to rangeland resources through overgrazing and raises the chances of malnutrition for the animals. Through the new incentive program, qualified adopters will receive $500 within 60 days of the adoption date and an additional $500 within 60 days of titling – which normally takes one year. The incentive is available for all animals eligible for adoption. Adopters pay a minimum $25 adoption fee per animal.