Last week the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter took in 36 Chihuahuas from two different though related residences. Chihuahuas are the most popular dog in Los Angeles and in other places in California. They are easy to keep because of their small size but without proper steps to control breeding, two dogs can become many. In this case, two Watsonville residents were found to be hoarding the dogs who were breeding at will.
The first search was on Monday (4 March 2013) at an apartment complex and the second on Tuesday at a house belonging to the mother of the apartment complex resident. According to field services manager Todd Stosuy, "It's a hoarding case first because not only were animals being hoarded, but also objects and possessions," he told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Animal control was alerted to the situation after the landlord of the apartment complex reported concerns related to the number of animals and their care.
The dogs are being housed at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in Live Oak and Watsonville. Some of the puppies are young--only three weeks old, and so foster homes will be used to care for the animals until they are ready for adoption. While the dogs collected in this raid are not currently available, the shelter has Chihuahuas who are ready for adoption. Look at the five-year-old Ella who has been at the shelter since October or the basketful of pups.
If you're looking for a pet, but do not live in the Santa Cruz County area, you're out of luck. The animal shelter requires face to face interviews and want to match up the dogs with the best potential adopters. You can contribute to the upkeep of the animals by making a donation to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
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