Watch CBS News

Animal Update: The Mighty Chihuahua

(KCBS) - KCBS' Jeff Bell talks to Dr. Jack Aldridge, Director of Veterinary Services at The San Francisco SPCA, about this popular pet.

The San Francisco SPCA is celebrating Chihuahuas in May. The SF SPCA and other rescue groups and shelters highlight Chihuahuas in May as a loose reference to Cinco de Mayo – but really it is an excuse to bring these little dogs and their plight to the forefront.

It seems that they've become victims of their own irresistability. There is unfortunately a culture around these dogs that they are accessories, but of course, they are certainly not; they are animals that require as much loving attention as any other living creature. So quite often these dogs are purchased without enough consideration given to what is required of responsible pet guardianship and we see many Chihuahuas surrendered to shelters or worse, abandoned to fend for themselves.

This an endemic problem in shelters. Almost 25% of dogs currently in shelters are Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes. To prevent further overpopulation, the San Francisco SPCA is offering free spay/neuter procedures to any Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix throughout May. Appointments are limited, so please make an appointment right away. We are also looking for homes for the little dogs in our shelter, so adoptions of dogs under 20 pounds are available for a special reduced fee. You can find out more and see who is available by visiting our website at sfspca.org.

Animal Update airs on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM on Sundays at 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m., and 9:21 p.m.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.