Animal Update: The Mighty Chihuahua

(CBS SF) - The San Francisco SPCA is celebrating chihuahuas in May and June.

"The San Francisco SPCA and other rescue groups and shelters highlight chihuahuas in May and June as a loose reference to Cinco de Mayo. And a fun fact is that chihuahuas were considered sacred to the Aztec tribes in Mexico, but really it's just an excuse to bring these little dogs and their plight to the forefront," explained Dr. Jack Aldridge, Director of Veterinary Services at the San Francisco SPCA.

What, exactly, is this breed's plight?

"It seems they've become victims of their own irresistibility," suggested Aldridge. "There's an unfortunate culture built around these dogs that they're accessories, but of course they're not. They're animals that require attention and care, as do all creatures. So, quite often these dogs are purchased or adopted without enough consideration given to what's required of responsible pet guardianship. We see a lot of chihuahuas surrendered to shelters, or worse, abandoned to fend for themselves."

KCBS' Jeff Bell Reports:

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)