97 dogs were discovered in the couple's home in Arleta, California majority of which were emaciated, suffering from heartworm, mange, open ulcers, internal parasites and were living in inhumane conditions. The dogs were adopted by Christianna Billman Hartwell Coppola, 39, and George Katcher, 39, from local animal shelters. They then requested for donations for the dogs' care, but the donated funds never went to the animals.