A Colorado Springs woman is accused of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after 57 small mammals were seized from her animal rescue business this week.
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region said in a news release today that the animals included ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, rats, guinea pigs and hedge hogs. All of them were living in deplorable conditions, the Humane Society said, without proper food, water or medical care.
The animals were seized Tuesday by law enforcement officers from Critter Crossings, Jessica Elrod’s pet-sitting and animal rescue business, in the 1400 block of Diamond Rim, after a tip to the Humane Society.
Elrod told the Gazette tonight that the charges are all false and that her 17-year-old business has been “ruined.”
“There are five sides to every story,” she told the newspaper.
She said the truth will come out in court.
More than 90 animals were in the facility, but the remainder were left after the raid.
The Humane Society is seeking donations to help care for the animals. Donate online at or mail to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs 80905.
