Milwaukee man changes plea to guilty in animal mistreatment case; sentencing scheduled for July

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Animal advocates say they're one step closer to justice after more than 50 dead animals were found in a Milwaukee home last year.

Forty-five-year-old Michael Ellis pleaded guilty Monday to five felony counts of animal mistreatment causing death.

It was part of a plea agreement with state prosecutors that could potentially shorten his jail time.

Ellis was charged last September after a city worker found deceased dogs, reptiles, and birds in his foreclosed home on Teutonia and Villard.

The deal from prosecutors required Ellis to change his plea to guilty for all five charges, and the state will not add any additional charges.

The state will also recommend three years of jail time and five years of extended supervision, rather than the maximum penalty of nearly eight years in jail and 10 years of supervision.

After Ellis pleaded guilty, Judge Jonathan Richards sent him back into custody until his sentencing hearing next month. He had been out on a signature bond since September.

The judge said he has read more than 70 letters of concern from community members - an effort that Friends of MADACC volunteers have spearheaded for months since Ellis' arrest as they petition for serious consequences.

"I really hope that this is a good precedent for future crimes, because we know, unfortunately, animal crimes are not taken very seriously in the state of Wisconsin, which is sad," said Amila Rizvic, president of Friends of MADACC. "We hope that any animal cruelty felony really receives significant time, and we hope Mr. Ellis gets the maximum."

The judge reminded Ellis that he doesn't have to follow the state or defense's sentence recommendation, even if it's part of a plea deal.

Ellis' sentencing hearing is set for July 31 at 8:30 a.m.