Post by MoMo on Feb 28, 2014 21:56:22 GMT -6
Roaming packs of small dogs are proving to be an unexpected menace in some parts of Arizona.
Chihuahuas might not be the first breed that springs to mind when you think of dangerous dogs, yet for residents of Maryvale the threat posed by these pint-sized canines is proving all too real.
Out of control gangs of Chihuahuas have been seen chasing young schoolchildren, a problem that has generated great concern among parents and school officials. The animals have also been fouling roads and footpaths with impunity, raising concerns over public health.
Animal control officials say they have received over 6,000 phone calls about the animals last year alone and are currently finding themselves overwhelmed by the problem.
"We compared the number of calls we got in 2013 from that area to similar areas in town and the calls from Maryvale were three times higher than surrounding areas," said Melissa Gable of the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. "Part of it is these animals aren’t spayed or neutered, so they’re out looking for a mate and are having babies, which also contributes to the problem."
