The former operator of a Nebraska training ranch for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs went on trial in Morrill County District Court today for allegedly maltreating more than 100 animals.

Last April Morrill County law enforcement authorities and personnel from equine welfare agencies removed more than 200 allegedly malnourished horses from the 3-Strikes Ranch in Alliance.

Ranch operator Jason Meduna was later charged with 149 counts of class 4 felony animal abandonment and cruel animal neglect resulting in injury or death in the connection with the alleged maltreatment of horses at the ranch (read more). If convicted, he faces penalties of up to 5 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines for each count.

Habitat for Horses, a Texas-based rescue, and the Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue in California received custody of seized animals. All are currently residing in adoptive homes