A former western Nebraska rancher who was convicted of letting wild horses and burros starve has violated a court order by owning animals again.

Jason Meduna was arrested last week in Goshen County, Wyo., because he had animals, including horses. When the 46-year-old was convicted of animal cruelty in 2010, a judge ordered him not to possess, own or live with animals for 30 years.

Meduna served about 19 months in prison before being released. He was arrested for violating the terms of his probation.

Meduna owned the 3-Strikes mustang ranch south of Alliance, where many of the horses and burros were found emaciated and suffering from a variety of ailments in 2009. Dozens of animals were found dead. The surviving horses and burros were given new homes.