Two Fairfield women have pleaded guilty to 15 counts of animal neglect following the removal of 61 animals from what veterinarians described as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions inside a Cardinal Drive residence.
Ellen Marie Telleen, 44, and Krysta Marie Telleen, 26, entered guilty pleas and received deferred judgments on the first 15 counts, while the remaining 33 counts were dismissed at their cost. A disposition hearing is scheduled for December 11th in Jefferson County.
Although the court dockets for the two women look different — with one showing a formal guilty plea on a single count and the other listing only deferred judgments — the outcomes are effectively the same. Each woman will move forward on 15 counts while the remaining charges have been dismissed, and the final consequences will depend on compliance with conditions set at sentencing next month.
How the Case Began
The investigation began on August 27th, when Fairfield Police received a report of possible animal neglect. Officers gathered statements and evidence before obtaining a search warrant executed on September 2nd with assistance from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Fairfield Veterinary Clinic.
Inside the home, officers and veterinarians found 61 animals — including 38 dogs, 10 cats, and 13 small animals such as rats, birds, and a hamster — many without visible food, water, or adequate space. One bird was found deceased.
Veterinarians Describe Overwhelming Conditions
Local veterinarian Dr. Phil Miller, who entered with the search team, described the conditions as immediately alarming.
“I went downstairs into a dark basement. I turned a light switch on. A room with wire cages and plastic pet carriers could be seen against the wall,” he wrote in his report.
Dr. Miller stated that multiple animals were confined to each kennel, with no water bowls or food present. Waste covered cage floors, and ventilation was poor.
“The smell was overwhelming,” he wrote. “There was failure to provide food and water to all of the pets. The animals were living in unsanitary conditions … They were overcrowded and confined. Ventilation was not sufficient.”
Dr. Miller added, “I have never witnessed such concentrated animal negligence. I ordered the animals to be removed from the property.”
Medical Evaluations Show Severe Deprivation
Veterinary reports from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa document the poor condition of the animals on arrival. Dr. M. C. Cates examined the seized animals on September 3rd using the Tufts Animal Care and Condition (TACC) scale, which ranges from 1 (ideal) to 5 (emaciated), with anything below 3 indicating a medically concerning condition.
Of the dogs examined, nearly every one showed signs of significant underweight, lack of body fat, muscle loss, or other indicators of chronic neglect:
- 1 dog scored a 5 (emaciated)
- 7 dogs scored a 4 (very underweight)
- 1 dog scored a 3.5 (borderline very underweight)
- 5 dogs scored a 3 (thin)
- 3 dogs scored a 2.5 (borderline thin)
Only a handful were described as having conditions near normal.
One of the worst cases involved Riddle, who weighed just 19.5 pounds and scored a TACC 5, showing no body fat, severe muscle loss, and visible bones, along with injuries consistent with being confined long-term in a kennel.
Cats also showed signs of neglect. At least two Persian-type cats scored a TACC 4 for physical condition, requiring full shave-downs due to extreme matting, dirty coats, and infections. Other cats were treated for flea infestations and ear mites.
Small animals were also affected.
- Rats arrived underweight,
- and a hamster was so severely malnourished and dehydrated that it had to be humanely euthanized two days later.
Dr. Cates wrote that many of the dogs arrived “extremely food motivated,” and their swift response to basic feeding and care highlighted the extent of their prior neglect.
Animals Improving Under Care
Within two weeks, many animals showed rapid and significant improvement once they had regular access to food, water, and medical treatment. Follow-up records show:
- Riddle gained nearly 12 pounds
- Weezlie, a Border Collie, gained over 14 pounds
- Rayla, a Papillon, gained 5.4 pounds
- Pique, a Papillon mix, increased from 6.5 to 9 pounds
Dr. Cates noted that these improvements occurred “with just regular access to food and water,” underscoring the level of deprivation the animals had faced.
All 61 animals were transferred to rescue organizations for continued treatment and rehabilitation.
Legal Outcome Moving Forward
The deferred judgments mean both women have admitted guilt but have not yet received final sentencing. Terms such as restitution, probation, and any restrictions on future animal ownership will be determined at the December 11th disposition hearing. On November 13th, Judge Phillip Parsons ordered the exoneration of their bonds, releasing the financial guarantees previously required for their release.
