Latest news with #MilwaukeeAreaDomesticAnimalControlCommission
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Milwaukee man pleads guilty to mistreating dozens of dogs — and causing their death
A Milwaukee man pled guilty this week to five counts of fatal animal mistreatment at a court hearing attended by dozens of animal rights activists. Michael Ellis, who turned himself in to police in September 2024 as city agencies investigated his former home for signs of animal cruelty, has been accused of killing over 50 dogs. On June 9, he took a plea deal, through which prosecutors promised not to press charges related to any new information that may come to light through the ongoing probe into dozens of animals found dead or in critical condition at the scene. Jessica Lopez, an animal advocacy volunteer, attended Ellis's hearing after seeing a Facebook post from the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, or MADACC, about the court date. For advocates seated in the courtroom, Ellis's guilty plea felt like "validation," Lopez said. "I felt emotional," Lopez said, describing the moment in which Ellis pleaded guilty at the hearing. "I felt like something might actually be done, and that he may actually serve time." In August 2024, authorities began investigating a North Teutonia Avenue home, then city-owned and under consideration for demolition, for animal cruelty after the Department of Neighborhood Services discovered more than 30 dead dogs during a tax foreclosure visit. The inspectors also recovered 11 dead reptiles and two dead birds, as well as 10 living reptiles and three dogs in critical condition. Milwaukee Police reported they had also found firearms on the property. An animal nuisance complaint from 2023 identifies Ellis as the former owner of the house. The August 2024 investigation into Ellis's home marked the first major animal abuse investigation in Milwaukee in years. In the ensuing weeks, inspectors unearthed 53 dog corpses across the house's basement and first floor. A necropsy on one of the dogs indicated it had died from starvation. The head of the animal control commission hypothesized that the animal remains found in the house were evidence of an underground dog-breeding operation. In a September interview with detectives, referenced in the criminal complaint, Ellis admitted he had hoarded dogs following his divorce. He said he had struggled to keep up with their care, but that he was "embarrassed" to seek outside help. Ellis's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31. The maximum combined penalty for the five counts of mistreating an animal and causing its death — a felony charge — is $50,000 in fines, seven years and six months in prison and 10 years on parole. Lopez, the MADACC volunteer, plans to write a letter to the judge recommending that Ellis receives the maximum sentence for the convictions. She believes that such letters can make a difference — at the June 9 hearing, the judge mentioned having received several. Prosecutors are expected to ask that Ellis serves three years in prison followed by five years of supervision as part of the plea deal agreement, according to MADACC. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man pleads guilty to mistreating, killing dozens of dogs
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MADACC is at 'critical capacity' with nearly 200 dogs. Here's how you can help
With 194 dogs under its care but only 149 kennels, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission is at critical capacity and urgently seeking help. The publicly funded shelter, at 3839 W. Burnham St., does not turn away any animals — meaning, along with stray animals in Milwaukee County, the shelter will also take in pets who are lost or in need. The influx of pets has pushed the shelter's "space and resources to the limit," MADACC said in a May 12 news release. 'We are pleading with the community: if you've ever thought about adopting or fostering, now is the time. Every animal who leaves safely makes room for the next," said Kate Hartlund, MADACC community engagement coordinator, in the news release. Most urgently, MADACC asks people who have lost a pet to check the shelter daily. Found animals are posted on the shelter's website, but MADACC encourages visiting the shelter in-person to look for your lost pet as soon as possible. 'These animals have no one else — when they come to us, we're their safety net,' Hartlund added. 'But we can't do it alone. We need our community to step up, whether it's opening your home to a pet or simply sharing our message." Here's how else you can help MADACC. If you're able to, you can also help out the shelter by adopting or fostering a pet. Milwaukee County residents can even do a five-day, "test-drive" adoption to see if an animal if the right fit for their home, Hartlund told the Journal Sentinel in January. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends, no appointment necessary. Find more information about adopting or fostering an animal here. Adults over 18 and children between 13 and 17 accompanied by a guardian can volunteer at MADACC. You can complete the online application form online at Once your application has been accepted, you will be invited to sign up for an orientation, and volunteers must commit to a six-month schedule at minimum. Here are a few other ways to help the shelter: You can donate directly to the shelter, or purchase items from the MADACC Amazon and Chewy wish lists to support animals. : You can reshare posts from MADACC adoption Facebook page, which showcases animals currently available for adoption. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee animal shelter at 'critical capacity,' seeking urgent help
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fostering a dog with behavioral challenges can be rewarding. Here's what to know first
In the first week of January, more than 100 dogs were dropped off at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission. And as of April, the publicly-funded shelter is still operating near capacity. "We have been full of dogs for almost two years, which is traditionally unheard of in sheltering," said MADACC Executive Director Karen Sparapani. That is putting strain on the whole system, said Sparapani, including the need for more foster volunteers. MADACC often partners with local rescue groups to pair animals with foster homes. But before fostering or adopting a dog, experts say there are a few things to be aware of, especially if you are considering taking in a dog who has behavioral issues. Here's what to know: Sparapani said many overlapping issues have created what she called an "imperfect storm," including: An increase in pit bull-type dogs, which are often overlooked by adopters due to the stigma surrounding the breed, landlord and homeowners insurance restrictions, and behavioral issues from a lack of early training and socialization. Private shelters declining to take dogs surrendered by owners, which means difficult cases often end up at animal control facilities, even though MADACC isn't set up to accept them. "We often find out the dog is chipped to the person who brought it in as a stray," she said. "There is nothing we can do about that." Puppies and small dogs brought in from out of state attract adopters more than local dogs in need. Rising vet costs, which lead some owners to surrender sick or injured dogs in hopes of getting free treatment. Sparapani said foster volunteers should be aware that taking care of dog is a big responsibility, especially for dogs who may have dangerous behaviors. Training them takes time and consistency. Sparapani emphasized that there is no magic cure for dogs with behavioral challenges. Animal welfare organizations cannot fix behavioral issues — only a committed owner can do that with time and reinforcement, she said. "If you are young and still put yourself first, do not get a dog," Sparapani said. Madison-based dog behavior consultant Sarah Kalnajs has seen it too often: dogs placed in foster homes without the support they, or their caregivers, need. Kalnajs said it's important to be aware that many animal rescue groups do not have trained animal behaviorists on staff. For foster volunteers who take in dogs who have experienced trauma or behavioral challenges, that means they may not get as much support or expertise as they might expect, she said. Many dogs arrive after traveling for hours, and are quickly placed in homes or adoption events, she said. "They're extremely stressed, so they're kind of shut down," Kalnajs said. "If the dog had behavior problems, you might not even see them." If you need your dog evaluated or trained, Kalnajs recommends finding a certified professional who uses up-to-date, science-backed methods to observe dogs over time. Kalnajs recommends trainers who have received certifications from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, which both have searchable online directories. Kalnajs said foster organizations shouldn't rely on basic pass-or-fail tests when assessing a dog's temperament. She referred to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior that found these assessments were "no better than flipping a coin" when it came to predicting behavior. Ideally, she said, dogs would be placed in a foster home for at least two weeks before they can be eligible for adoption. Foster organizations are a lifeline for overcrowded shelters, but even well-meaning groups can fall short due to a lack of clear rules and regulations, according to Kalnajs. Wisconsin law requires animal foster groups to be licensed if they take in 25 or more animals per year. However, there's no particular standards that are legally required when it comes to evaluating or placing dogs, Kalnajs said. 'If you go get your nails done, the person has to have a license," she said. "If you go deal with someone who says their dog is trying to bite their child in the face — you could literally do this tomorrow." That doesn't mean volunteers and rescue groups can't be successful or don't have their hearts in the right place, she said, but it's something to be aware of. There are two ways to adopt a dog from MADACC — either in person at the facility, or through a foster-based adoption program. To adopt a dog from MADACC directly, go in person during adoption hours, which are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You have to complete a profile to help the staff match you with the best dog for your household. An adoption counselor may ask you to bring any dogs you already own to ensure compatibility. MADACC dogs can also be transferred to a partner rescue group or humane society for placement. Sites like Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet contain listings posted by local rescues. To become a foster parent for MADACC, you can fill out an application online. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know before fostering a dog with behavior issues in Wisconsin
