A Chihuahua rescued dog named "Giganton," the Big Giant in Spanish, looks out from his cage at the Northeast Valley Animal Care Center, in Mission Hills, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Updated: Friday, 08 Jan 2010, 1:30 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 06 Jan 2010, 10:16 PM EST
MYFOXNY.COM/AP - Fifteen Chihuahuas have arrived in New York City from California. A glut of the tiny dogs is overloading the Golden State's animal shelters.
The dogs came on two flights from San Francisco on Wednesday afternoon. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will have the dogs ready for adoption on Jan. 13.
The dogs are very popular in New York City.
"They're portable, and people like portability in the city," said Gail Buchwald, senior vice president for the ASPCA's Adoption Center in New York City. “We never have enough supply for the huge consumer demand for small dogs.”
Aside from easily fitting in a carrier for a subway ride, their small size is ideal for living in the city’s compact apartments, said the ASCPA, which hoped a long-term partnership with Virgin America or another airline would allow "Operation Chihuahua Airlift" to continue.
The dogs will be available for viewing at the ASPCA Adoption Center on Wednesday, January 13, from 12 to 7 p.m. Adoption fees will range from $75 to $200 and include all medical and behavioral treatments, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip.
CONTACT: www.aspca.org 212-876-7700 ext 3210