Marvin the horse is about half the size of similar horses his age, the Alberta SPCA said Tuesday in a news release. When the yearling was removed from his owner’s property, he could barely walk. “His condition was completely preventable,” the statement said. The agency did not say where in Alberta the horse was found. The SPCA said the level of neglect seen recently and the number of animals involved in cases like Marvin’s is increasing. The organization said Marvin’s owners were raising animals while trying to take care of the ones they already had. “In many cases, tough economic times are a factor, but they cannot be used as an excuse to let animals suffer,” the SPCA said. Marvin’s condition has improved since he was seized by the Alberta SPCA, but the organization said it will be many months before the horse is healthy enough to be rehomed.
“I didn’t expect him to survive”
Ryan Butterwick, SPCA peace officer, said Marvin is the thinnest horse he has ever seen. “I didn’t expect him to survive, but Marvin has a strong will to live, so we’re giving him every chance to do so,” Butterwick said in the release. The organization said the first step in ensuring animals have safe homes is for owners to assess how many animals they can actually care for. “Our organization urges owners to consider their responsibilities and ability to care for their animals,” the statement said. Marvin the horse is about half the size of similar horses his age, the SPCA says. (Submitted by Alberta SPCA) The SPCA said pet owners should ensure they have a six-month supply of feed for the winter months. If owners cannot take care of their animals during the winter and spring, they will have to reduce their number of animals.
