Ruzevich said she is relieved her three cats were not included in the crimes but feels for those affected and wants to channel her anger and disgust in a positive way, such as holding a celebration of the lives of the cats.

"It's not about these guys -- I don't care about them. Something good has to come of this," she said. "This has been really hard on the community,"

Hallowell, who was released from jail after posting $25,000 bond, also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a peace officer, for which he faces a maximum of six months in jail.

After a presentence investigation and mental health evaluation are conducted, Hallowell is set to be sentenced Nov. 20.

Hartford and Welch each are charged with animal cruelty in addition to felony tampering with or fabricating of physical evidence for allegedly removing evidence from the residence where all three were living and using bleach in an attempt to remove blood stains. For the tampering charge, the two men face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine not to exceed $50,000 for the tampering charges.