Jason Meduna, the Nebraska rancher found guilty of maltreating former Bureau of Land Management mustangs will serve not less than 40 months in prison, and is prohibited from owning or working with livestock for 30 years.

Morrill County law enforcement authorities and personnel from equine welfare agencies removed 209 malnourished mustangs from Meduna’s 3-Strikes Ranch in Alliance last April. Another 74 dead mustangs and burros were also discovered on the property. The surviving animals were placed in rehabilitative care; all have moved on to adoptive homes.

Meduna was charged with 149 counts of class 4 felony animal abandonment and cruel animal neglect resulting in injury or death. A jury found him guilty of 145 of the charges.

On Tuesday, Morrill County Judge Leo Dobrovolny sentenced Meduna to an indeterminate term of not less than 40 months and not more than 120 months in prison. With good behavior he could be eligible for parole in 20 months. He will be eligible for mandatory release in 60 months, said County Attorney Jean Rhodes