Animal shelters in the San Francisco Bay Area are reporting that there is an influx of Chihuahuas entering California shelters and they’re blaming Hollywood. Popular movies like Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua portrayed Chihuahuas as fashion accessories for the rich and easily handled by placing in a designer bag. Then, there’s Paris Hilton. One of, if not, the prime celebrity who branded Chihuahuas as a prop to those living a lavished life. Hilton, who owns 17 dogs, placed images of her glamorous doggy mansion on Twitter this past summer.

According to the Associated Press, Chihuahuas make up 30 percent of the dog population in California shelters. They are also the most bred animal in puppy mills and backyard breeders.

“Chihuahuas are the most popular breed of dog in Los Angeles, so it makes sense it is the most abandoned breed,” said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, the media circus has given people the misconception that buying a Chihuahua is like living the high life. People don’t realize that Chihuahuas are dogs, and they need extra amounts of care and their veterinary bills may be higher due to their vulnerability.

Shelters, who have a hard time getting large dogs and black dogs adopted, have had to accomodate to the Chihuahuas by placing them in foster home, temporary kennels, and placing crates in the office.

According to Chihuahua Rescue,

“…The US is on track to euthanize 6,000,000 pets including nearly 1,000,000 Chihuahuas and small dogs. This does not include the horrificly large number of dogs dumped in parking lots, parks, roadsides and left in vacant, foreclosed homes to suffer, starve and die. Please discourage irrepsonsible breeding, buying and always spay or neuter your pets.”

Visit the Chihuahua Rescue website for more information.

Image via Star Escapes

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