Logan County Rancher Sentenced For Animal Cruelty

STERLING, Colo. (AP) - A Logan County rancher convicted of animal cruelty after dozens of cattle carcasses were found on his property last year has been sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Gilbert Dean Schuman also was fined $3,861 and was ordered Monday to perform 100 hours of public service. Additional penalties were suspended, pending successful completion of three years of probation.

The Sterling Journal-Advocate reports Schuman's wife, Barbara, told the judge Schuman had been punished enough already with the loss of his livelihood and good name.

Schuman was arrested in March 2010 after sheriff's officials said they found 79 bovine carcasses on his property. Authorities seized 14 cows and two calves described as in poor condition.

Schuman's attorney had argued that the winter of 2009-2010 caught many ranchers by surprise.

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