HEBRON - The Thayer County Sheriff's Office is investigating reports of livestock neglect at a feedlot and sale barn in Hebron.

The facilities in question are owned by Glen Jochem - owner of the J and J Horse and Pony Company. The lot is located on the west side of 1st street, just south of Lincoln Avenue.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Thayer County Sheriff Facebook page posted a statement saying, “With the help of area ranchers, some of the horses were removed from the sale barn. Other horses were moved to higher ground and others separated into different pens. Fresh hay was provided to all the animals. The sheriff (David Lee) has been in touch with the Nebraska Humane Society, Horse Rescue people, and the County Attorney's Office. This will remain an active investigation, and plans are being formulated for the care and possible relocation of the remaining animals.”

Hebron resident Julie Young lives near the sale barn/feedlot where Jochem's horses are kept. She says concerns over the treatment of livestock at this facility started well before the flood waters reached the pens.

“After winter started tiding down, I realized exactly how many (horses Jochem) had in there,” Young said, “and the condition the horses were in. Myself, like many others in the community, has brought it up time and time again to the authorities. It has been a known issue. I guess he's had warnings over time.”

Court documents show that Jochem was charged with one felony count of animal abandonment and cruelty in Boone County in December 2012, but he was not found guilty on that charge.

Young also claims that she saw “dogs sitting on small square bales that were falling apart” at Jochem's property.

Christopher Roberts, of nearby Hardy, commented on Facebook Wednesday, “Quality of care (at Jochem's lot) wasn't debatable. It was down right inhumane in every way possible. Cows running around on lead ropes, dogs chained up with chains not meant for dogs, horses packed in pens, dead calves half-decayed laying in pens with live calves.”

Young says she will submit videos and pictures of the alleged mistreatment to local authorities on Thursday morning.

Jochem told News Channel Nebraska in an interview Wednesday night that county officials came to inspect his property in Hebron, but found nothing criminal. He denied the claims of Young, and others, accusing him of animal neglect.

“These horses are fed and watered every day, and are well maintained and cared for,” he said.

No charges have been filed, and it's not clear if criminal charges are being pursued. Thayer County authorities said they'll provide an update at a later time.

As of Wednesday, about 35 horses remained on Jochem's Hebron property, according to Young. Some have already been moved to different locations.

There are also about 15 head of cattle, along with donkeys, mules and chickens at the facility.

Jochem said complaints came in Wednesday when people saw horses “standing in water.”

“They were taken care of, and we moved them to higher ground,” he said. “There isn't any neglect or anything like that.”

This is a developing story. We'll have more information as we get it.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @Tommy_NCN.