A woman who was charged with several counts of cruelty to animals — after six dogs in her care died at a facility in Bucksport — has passed away.
As a result, the state will dismiss the charges against Ellisha E. Krutuleski, according to the Hancock County District Attorney.
Krutuleski, 45, died on Aug. 26, according to Kennebunk-based funeral services firm Bibber Memorial Chapel. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Krutuleski owned and operated Coastal Dreams Rescue and Sanctuary on Millvale Road in Bucksport when a state animal welfare agent and Bucksport police executed a search warrant at the property on July 31, 2024. They found and removed 27 live dogs, the majority of which were malnourished, and six deceased dogs.
The animals were removed in accordance with a state law that allows for animals to be removed when their owner is institutionalized, court documents indicated. Krutuleski’s whereabouts were unknown at the time the animals were seized, the state animal welfare agent wrote.
Krutuleski was indicted last fall on six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals. The next month, she pleaded innocent to all the charges.
Bob Granger, district attorney for Hancock County, said state law requires that charges be dropped against criminal defendants who die while the charges are pending. He said the state medical examiner’s office confirmed Krutuleski’s death late last week.
