Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin says horse abuse and neglect is on the rise statewide.

A drought that led to hay shortages, the closing of horse slaughterhouses, a downturn in the economy, and equine inspectors spread too thin are among the factors that have led to abuse and neglect, the Tifton Gazette reported Saturday.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Equine Division handles the cases, and Irvin said he has noticed a slight increase in the numbers. In severe cases, the agency impounds the animals. Irvin said that lately, the department has impounded “more than we would like to.”

In February, Irvin declared an emergency on a Pike County farm belonging to Roger Lee Prater and impounded 99 horses and other animals. Prater was sentenced this month to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 31 counts of animal cruelty