BLM NEWS RELEASE

For release 12/1/97

News Contact: Mark Armstrong, (541)573-4400

BLM Postpones Wild Horse Adoption at Burns

A Wild Horse and Burro adoption set for December 5 and 6, 1997, has been postponed until further notice due to a fire at the Burns Wild Horse Corrals said Mike Green, U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burns District Manager. The fire occurred over the weekend. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The fire destroyed the horse barn which included handling facilities, a small office, and a loading chute. The loss of the facilities precludes handling the horses for the adoption.

"All adoption applicants will be notified as soon as a new date has been set for the adoption," said Green.

BLM NEWS RELEASE

For release 12/2/97

News Contact: Cathy Harris (503) 952-6287 email: charris@or.blm.gov

Fire Destroys Barn for Wild Horses & Burros

Over the weekend, a fire of a suspicious nature destroyed the barn at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro facility in Burns, Oregon. "We don't know why anyone would commit this type of violent act which endangered the lives of people, destroyed property, and victimized our national treasure, the wild horse and burro," reported Pat Shea, Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Fortunately, no people were injured and no animal deaths were reported.

"Attacks on government property such as this one will not be tolertated. Our society is based on democratic principals, which require people to express their concerns through peaceful means and not through acts of violence," announced Director Shea.

Of the approximately 500 wild horses and 40 burros housed in the facility ready for adoption, about 30 scattered outside the facility, but remained in the area. The rest of the animals, although terrorized by the fire, stayed within the corral. Initial examinations show that some of the animals may have sustained injury as a result of the panic and being thrown together.

"It is unfortunate that during this season of celebration our wild horses and BLM employees who care for them, were put at risk," said Director Shea.

The adoption of these animals scheduled for December 5th and 6th has been postponed. "We will continue to care for the animals and reschedule the adoption as soon as possible. In the meantime, this act of violence and destruction will be vigorously investigated with all appropriate law enforcement resources available," said Director Shea. The investigation is being conducted by the BLM, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Oregon State Police, and the Harney County Sheriff's Office.