Two Fairfield women charged with animal neglect

The Fairfield Police Department arrested two women and charged both with 48 counts of animal neglect, following a search warrant that revealed animals kept in overcrowded kennels and covered in feces.

Ellen Marie Telleen, 44, and Krysta Marie Telleen, 26, both of Fairfield, were arrested on Sept. 2, 2025, after Fairfield police officers searched a residence in the 100 block of Cardinal Drive in Fairfield. Officers received a report that a large number of animals were being kept in extremely poor and potentially dangerous living conditions, according to a news release from the department.

“Many animals were confined in overcrowded kennels, with several sharing small enclosures,” the news release read. “The animals were found to be covered in feces and living in unsafe conditions without adequate food, water or proper care. In total, 38 dogs, 10 cats and 13 various small animals were safely removed from the residence and placed into the care of animal welfare organizations for treatment and rehabilitation.”

Assisting the Fairfield Police Department were the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, Fairfield Veterinary Clinic and Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.