Abandoned horse hit with about 130 paintballs

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Animal cruelty officials in Pennsylvania are investigating after a horse riddled with about 130 paintball remnants was found abandoned at a stable.

Officials from the Lancaster County SPCA tell LNP they were called to New Holland Sales Stables on Monday after the mare was found in a stall when sales ended for the day.

PHOTOS: Horse hit with dozens of paintballs

SPCA Executive Director Susan Martin says the 20-year-old horse was underweight and had been struck at close range. She says the horse was "in a substantial amount of pain when touched."

The horse hadn't been registered for Monday's sale and had no visible identification.

Martin says the horse appears to be an Appaloosa/Arabian mix and is blind in its right eye. It's expected to survive after a lengthy recovery.

The horse was taken to a Kennett Square facility operated under University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Information from: LNP, http://lancasteronline.com