'We didn't expect him to survive': Alberta SPCA rescues emaciated horse
Marvin the horse is half the size he should be at his age and could barely walk when he was rescued in July by the Alberta SPCA, something the organization said could have been avoided.
“Marvin is the skinniest horse I’ve ever seen,” said Alberta SPCA Peace Officer Ryan Butterwick.
When he was found on a property in Red Deer County, he was wrapped in metal wire trying to get to the grass growing over the fence from the dirt paddock he was being kept in. The SPCA said the level of malnourishment in the yearling was due to at least six months with little to no food.
“He was lifeless. He had no movement to him at all,” Butterwick said. “He was just lying there.”
The SPCA said Marvin’s situation is not unique, and his case is just one example of the kind of easily preventable neglect seen daily by officers in Alberta, with animals left to suffer because owners don’t act sooner.
Despite the number of complaints being made staying constant, they are seeing higher levels of neglect and more animals involved, the SPCA said, with costs to rehabilitate and rehome animals falling entirely on the not-for-profit organization.
Marvin is a yearling, but looks much smaller due to starvation. (Alberta SPCA)
The organization said difficult economic factors, like high feed prices, are not an excuse to allow animals to go uncared for – owners are always responsible to ensure their animals are healthy and comfortable.
It’s important for animal owners to plan ahead and act quickly if they do find themselves unable to provide adequate care, the SPCA said. The organization adds that owners should never keep more animals than can be properly looked after.
The SPCA said Marvin’s owners allowed their horses to continue breeding despite struggling to take care of their existing animals.
“I didn’t expect him to survive, but Marvin has a strong will to live so we’re giving him every chance to do that,” Butterwick said.
Marvin is still recovering from his severe malnourishment and he will still need more time before he can be rehomed, but he is getting better. Though, it’s unclear if he will ever grow to his full size.
To prevent more animals from ending up in little Marvin's situation, the SPCA is reminding Alberta animal owners to act responsibly, stock up on feed for the winter and reduce the number of animals in their care when needed.
With files from Nav Sangha.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.