MIAMI – Miami-Dade County Animal Services has removed 42 Chihuahuas from a home in northwest Miami-Dade County.
Leonal Romero, who is tasked with caring for the dogs, said Animal Services received an anonymous tip about animal abuse that led officers to the home.
There was no abuse, but the unusually large number of dogs in the home appears to have resulted from uncontrolled breeding.
"Uncontrolled breeding is a large contributor to the number of homeless pets in our community," Miami-Dade County Animal Services Director Alex Muñoz said. "We can't stress enough the importance of spaying or neutering pets, which not only helps reduce the number of unwanted pets, but also helps them live longer and healthier lives."
The dogs were evaluated by veterinarians and found to be in good condition.
Animal Services is putting the Chihuahuas up for adoption.
"Of course they have their behavior issues," Romero said. "They're fearful. They're not very socialized. They don't handle well on a leash. But it's nothing that you can't change in a matter of a month or two after you take them home."
Those behavioral issues aren't stopping animal lovers like Cindy Mesa from scooping up the puppies.
"I wanted a dog and I found one here," she said.
The Chihuahuas are available at a cost of $65. That includes vaccinations and a microchip.
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