A Southern California couple accused of hoarding more than 90 dogs, many with infections and open sores, in deplorable conditions defended themselves on Friday and said they "rescued" the animals from euthanasia.
Animal control officers found 93 dogs barely alive at an Arleta home after numerous complaints from neighbors in July.
Many dogs were sick with infections, had open sores, infected paws and ulcers.
"Two dogs had open ulcers. They had to drag their limbs because they were in such pain," Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said Friday. "This is not how one treats cherished companions."
The couple who lives in the home is now facing charges after being accused of hoarding the dogs and soliciting money for their care -- care that city officials say was never given.
But resident George Katcher told NBC4 this is the first time he is hearing of animal cruelty and neglect charges.
"It's always been a rescue," Katcher said. "They were dogs pulled out from euthanasia lists on a daily basis, and those (dogs seized from the home) were the dogs."
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Katcher, a former vet hospital manager, said he and his girlfriend, Christianna Billman Hartwell Coppola, are not dog killers, but instead rescuers helping more 400 sick dogs.
When asked about the conditions of the dogs when they were found by officers, Katcher said the city is painting a wrong picture.
"Guess what? Those dogs they showed you (in photos of horrible conditions), they were in an animal hospital when they picked up because they were treated," he said. "Those are the details they are not telling you."
Authorities said they were disgusted with what they found, and were "very appalled of the conditions they were in," especially knowing that Katcher was the manager of a vet hospital.
Officials said the property was saturated with animal urine and feces when they arrived to remove the animals.
"All those dogs have been receiving care at city shelters they are doing well, they're recovering and at some point we're looking forward to making them available for adoption," an official said.
The couple filed a lawsuit against the city alleging civil rights violations. Meanwhile, they faces arraignment in December on animal neglect and animal cruelty charges.
