(Neb.)-Abused Horses Suffering From Starvation, Parasite Infestation  Listen

By: Genell Rothleutner Posted at: 04/27/2009 06:40 PM

PICTURE: Some of the abused, starving horses from a Morrill County Ranch enjoy feed donated by Nebraska Farm Bureaus.

SOUND:  To hear KCSR News Director Genell Rothleutner's interview with Dr. Tom Furman, click on Listen.

CHADRON - Rumors that the 211 horses, burros and mules removed from a Morrill County Ranch are infected with contagious diseases is just that, rumors.

Dr. Tom Furman of Alliance, was one of the several veterinarians treating the animals at the Morrill County Fairgrounds in Bridgeport. He said that other than starvation and parasitic infestation, the animals have exhibited no other signs of disease.

Dr. Furman noted that lab work on some of the 74 animals found dead and one mare that had to be euthanized at the ranch work also supports this.

Jason Meduna, owner of 3 Strikes Ranch, was arrested on April 18 by Morrill County Sheriff John Edens.

According to Sheriff Edens, the 192 adult horses, 5 foals, 2 mules, one pony and 11 burros were removed from the ranch under Dr. Furman's professional direction without any serious injury to any of the animals and without injury to personnel or volunteers.

The sheriff also says that the ranch has been flown over and they believe that they removed all live animals.

Dr. Furman said that all of the horses have been treated and dewormed and once their bodies shed the parasites, the good nutrition they are receiving at the fairgrounds will get them back into good health.

He noted that there have also been some births since the horses were moved to Bridgeport. One foal was stillborn, another has a slight deformity and the third is doing very well.

The other veterinarians assisting in caring for the animals include: Dr. Jim Furman, also of Alliance; retired Scottsbluff vet Dr. Arden Wohlers, Dr. Dave Hardin, dean of the UNL veterinary program; one veterinary student from Iowa State University and seven veterinary students from UNL. All volunteered their services.

Sheriff Edens said that without help from the veterinarians, students, the Morrill County Dispatch staff, Bridgeport P.D., Box Butte County Sheriff's Office; the Nebraska State Patrol, the numerous volunteers; and the businesses and individuals who have made donations or discounted items and provided trailers, panels, hay and time the rescue effort would not have been as successful as it was.

He said a special thanks goes to the Morrill County Ag Society for letting the rescuers keep the horses at the fairgrounds.

Sheriff Edens added that the investigation into Meduna and the ranch is ongoing.