"Beverly Hills Chihuahua"

A reader forwarded this from Los Angeles Animal Services.

"Los Angeles – Last night, Disney Studios hosted the premiere of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, the story of Chloe, a well-heeled Beverly Hills Chihuahua, who finds herself lost in Mexico and in need of assistance in order to get back home. The release of this movie has caused much concern in the humane community. Many animal lovers recall the fallout from the movie 101 Dalmatians. Many allege that that movie resulted in the over breeding of Dalmatians by backyard breeders and puppy mills, which then led to many shelters across the nation being overrun with unwanted Dalmatians.

LA Animal Services wants Chihuahua-lovers to know that, if Beverly Hills Chihuahua increases demand for the increasingly popular breed, LA’s Animal Care Centers are the perfect places to find and adopt a great Chihuahua. The movie itself is a testimonial to the quality of shelter Chihuahuas – at least two of the movie’s canine stars were adopted from public shelters in Southern California shortly before they were scheduled to be euthanized.

If you’re looking for a Chihuahua, LA’s shelters are THE place to go. Nearly 12% (2,550) of all dogs (21,660) taken in by LA Animal Services since January 1, 2008, are Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are second only to pit bulls (4,541) as the most often impounded lost or homeless dog breed in Los Angeles. At 14% (1,642) of all dogs adopted (11,513) from LA Animal Care Centers since the beginning of the year, Chihuahuas are second to no other dog breed as LA’s most popular. Pit bulls follow at 12% (1,472).

Sadly, not all lost Chihuahua stories end as happily as Chloe’s. Chihuahuas are the third most euthanized dog breed in City shelters at 6%, following pit bulls at 45% and German Shepherds at 11%."