A severelymalnourishedhorse named Marvin is expected to survive after being removed from his property in Alberta this summer.
According to the Alberta SPCA, Marvin was about half the size of a horse of his age when he was brought into custody of the organization on 12 July.
Read more: The Alberta SPCA welcomed over 600 animals this winter. Ten horses found dead
1-year-old horses were removed from property in such poor condition that they could barely walk. The SPCA said his situation was "fully preventable."
The SPCA said it allowed the breeding of horses when their owners were struggling to care for their animals.
"Marvin is the leanest horse I have ever seen," Alberta SPCA Peace Officer Ryan Butterwick said in a news release on Tuesday.
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Marvin's condition improved thereafter, but not enough for the horse to go home.
Read More: Animal shelters in Alberta are at capacity. According to the
SPCA in "panic mode," Marvin just responded to a similar call about animals suffering because their owners failed to act before the situation became dire. One example of the level of animal neglect seen recently by a peace officer who experienced a "busy summer" during a busy summer. The organization says the level of animal neglect and the number of animals involved in phone calls are increasing.
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Difficult economic times are often a factor, but the SPCA does not use it as an excuse to torture animals.
The SPCA warns animal owners to ensure adequate homes for the animals in their care. A livestock owner should always have his six months' worth of feed on hand for the winter.
Owners who are unable to properly care for their animals during winter and spring will reduce their numbers should, he stressed the SPCA.
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"Once you have animals, it is your responsibility to make sure they are healthy and pain-free." He said SPCA in it. news release.
The SPCA said the organization would pay for Marvin's rehabilitation. The organization relies heavily on donations for its survival.
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