MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Michael Ellis, the man charged with animal mistreatment after dozens of dead dogs were found inside a foreclosed Milwaukee home, was sentenced Thursday, July 31. 

As part of a plea agreement reached in June, Ellis pleaded guilty to five felony counts of animal mistreatment causing death, avoiding any additional charges. 

He was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison followed by five years of extended supervision. 

Ellis was charged last September after a city worker found more than 50 dead animals inside his foreclosed home on Teutonia and Villard. Officials with the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center (MADACC) were called to assist at the scene. 

A total of 25 dead dogs were found on the first floor of the home and another 28 were found in the basement, believed to have died of starvation.

During an interview, prosecutors say Ellis admitted he began hoarding dogs after his 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.

The judge said he'd received more than 70 letters of concern from community members - an effort Friends of MADACC volunteers spearheaded for months while petitioning for serious consequences.

"On behalf of Friends of MADACC, I think a huge thank you to the public is in order," said Co-director of Marketing Emily Kinsman.

Friends of MADACC offers help with emergency medical expenses, vaccine clinics, and spaying and neutering services for Milwaukee County pet owners in need of assistance.

For more information, or to find out how to report suspected animal cruelty or neglect, click here.