ALLIANCE, Neb.—An owner of a Panhandle ranch who has been accused of animal cruelty is turning over more than 200 animals to two horse rescue operations.
Jerry Finch is president of Habitat for Horses, which is based in Hitchcock, Texas. He has been helping officers investigate Jason Meduna, who co-owns 3-Strikes Ranch south of Alliance with his wife.
Finch said Tuesday that Meduna is turning over custody of about 200 horses and 10 donkeys to Finch’s group and Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue of Lancaster, Calif.
Sheriff John Edens of Morrill County has said Meduna’s been charged with felony animal cruelty.
Finch said he flew over 3-Strikes Ranch and saw an estimated 50-60 carcasses and 110-140 live horses.
The ranch boards and trains mustangs captured on federal property.
Calls to the ranch Tuesday went unanswered. An e-mailed request to comment was not immediately answered.
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On the Net:
3-Strikes Ranch:
Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue:
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Information from: Daily Times-Herald,
