Bucksport Animal Rescue Owner Investigated for Animal Cruelty

The owner of an animal rescue and sanctuary in Bucksport is the focus of an investigation into animal cruelty.

The Sanctuary's Owner is Facing Multiple Charges

An arrest warrant has been issued for Ellisha Krutuleski, owner of Coastal Dreams Rescue and Sanctuary in Bucksport, according to WVII-TV. Complaints in that warrant include six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of cruelty to animals.

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Several Dogs Were Allegedly Found Deceased on the Property

Over the past year, the animal sanctuary has been in the news, as they've been active in fundraising and searching for volunteers. But this latest news suggests that the operation may not have been as well-run as it appeared on the surface.

WABI-TV reports Police were called to Coastal Dreams on Millvale Road on July 30th after volunteers reported finding animal remains on the property. When officials arrived, they found six dogs that were deceased, and 28 others who were alive, but were thin and in poor health. Krutuleski was not at the facility during the search. WABI-TV says she had been at the hospital that day with an undisclosed illness.

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A Florida Rescue Organization Says a Dog They Sent to Maine Was Neglected

One rescue facility in Florida took to Facebook to express regret at having sent a dog named Howler to Coastal Dreams to get adopted. The administrators at Rags to Riches Animal Rescue in Tampa tried to get updates on Howler, but claim they were met with silence and alleged lies that he was being fed regularly. Dog Coordinator for Rags to Riches Sierra Hancock told WVII-TV that when they finally saw photos of Howler, he was skinnier than he'd ever been, "almost to the point of not being alive." They say they've been told the animals who survived the ordeal are now in safe spaces.

We'll update this story as more details become available.