A former western Nebraska ranch owner has been sentenced to at least 20 months, but not more than five years in prison, after being found guilty of 145 counts of animal cruelty.

At Tuesday's sentencing, Jason Meduna also was barred from owning or associating with livestock sources for 30 years.

Meduna owned the 3-Strikes mustang ranch 22 miles south of Alliance, where many of the 211 horses and 11 burros were found emaciated and suffering from a variety of ailments. A total of 74 horses and burros were found dead at the ranch.

The surviving horses and burros were given new homes as rescue agencies responded.

Meduna faced up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or both for each count.