Requirements for Selection of Wild Horses and Burros for the Internet Events

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240-0036

http://www.blm.gov

March 13, 2017

In Reply Refer To:

4750 (260) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 04/05/2017

Instruction Memorandum No. 2017-057

Expires: 09/30/2020

To:                        All Field Office Officials

From:                    Assistant Director, Resources and Planning

Subject:                Requirements for Selection of Wild Horses and Burros for the Internet Events

Program Area:    Wild Horse and Burro Program

Purpose:  This Instruction Memorandum (IM) establishes policy for the selection of wild horses and burros to be offered for adoption and sale in internet private care placement events.  The goal is to highlight and offer healthy wild horses and burros to prospective adopters and buyers across the United States.

Policy/Action:  The following requirements apply to the selection of wild horses and burros for presentation in internet private care placement events:

1. The Eastern States State Office will coordinate with individual states and off-range corrals to locate suitable animals for internet private care events, coordinate shipping/ animal pick-up locations, and identify animal pick-up dates for prospective adopters and buyers. 
2. Selected animals are to be healthy, in a Henneke condition class ≥ 4.0, possess a current negative Coggins test (original, individual negative Coggins test is required in the Eastern States Region) that is valid through the animal pick-up date, have current vaccinations and de-worming, and have properly trimmed hooves.
3. No animals will be selected that have been identified as aggressive or exhibiting dangerous characteristics beyond those inherently associated with the wild characteristics of wild horses and burros. (Consistent with IM 2015-070)
4. No animals identified with a chronic injury, lameness, or serious physical defect (includes severe tooth loss or wear, club foot and other acquired or congenital severe abnormalities) will be offered on a internet private care placement event. (Consistent with IM 2015-070)
5. Shipment of stallions to satellite events for internet pick-up is prohibited.  Stallions must be picked up at the facility of origination by the adopter, buyer or their agent.

Timeframe: This (IM) is effective immediately.

Budget Impact:   Cost savings up to $48,000 is realized for each animal placed into private care and not maintained in off-range corrals or pastures the remainder of its life.

Background:  Internet private care placement events have placed more than 650 wild horses and burros in the past two years.  The continued success and reputability of these events requires careful selection of wild horses and burros.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected:  The wild horse and burro selection requirements for internet private care events does not change or affect manuals or handbooks.

Coordination: The selection requirements were coordinated with the facility managers, WHB specialists, the internet private care event coordinator, and the WHB Washington Office program staff.

Contact:  Questions concerning this policy should be directed to Holle’ Waddell, Wild Horse and Burro Program Off-Range Branch Chief, (405) 579-1860.

Signed by:                                                        Authenticated by:

Kristin Bail                                                       Robert M. Williams

Assistant Director                                             Division of IT Policy and Planning,WO-870

Resources & Planning