MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 45-year-old Milwaukee man is facing criminal charges after investigators found dozens of deceased dogs inside a vacant home that he previously owned.   

Michael Ellis has been charged with five counts of mistreatment of animals. 

According to a criminal complaint, the City of Milwaukee foreclosed on the property -- located at 5259 North Teutonia Avenue -- in June of 2024. 

On Aug. 6, the complaint says an employee of the City of Milwaukee in the Real Estate Program notified police after making the disturbing discovery during a standard walkthrough of the property. 

The city worker attempted to conduct the walkthrough but only made it a few feet inside the home, according to the complaint, before they were overcome with odor coming from inside.

Officials with the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center (MADACC) were called to assist at the scene. 

Officials say a total of 25 deceased dogs were found on the first floor of the home, mostly in trash bags. Another 28 deceased dogs were found in the basement. 

MADACC recovered three living dogs from the home, but all three were severely emaciated. 

Based on a necropsy, officials believe the dogs died of starvation. 

During an interview, Ellis admitted he began hoarding dogs after a recent divorce. He reportedly told investigators he took in a lot of dogs, often from Craigslist, and was "doing his best to care for them." 

Ellis allegedly admitted he was struggling to keep up with care for the dogs, including feeding them properly. When asked why he didn't seek help from an animal shelter, Ellis reportedly said he was embarrassed. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.