The animal cruelty trial of Nebraska horse owner Jason Meduna has attracted a lot of attention recently. More than 200 seriously malnourished and neglected horses were removed from Meduna’s 3-Strikes Ranch, ironically promoted as a haven for rescued mustangs, almost a year ago. In January, a Morrill County jury found him guilty on 145 separate counts of abandonment of an animal and cruel neglect.

Conviction is a necessary first step in the enforcement process, but it is only half the battle. Meduna’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23. Then we will know whether the punishment meted out by the Morrill County District Court actually fits the crime