ChihuahuasChihuahuas
A woman in a gas mask rescues a chihuahua from a foul home. | Animal Care and Protective Services

130 abandoned chihuahuas are finding homes

Published on October 29, 2024 at 9:30 am
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People stood in line Monday, listening to their chances of getting one of 24 remaining chihuahuas rescued last week by Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services.

In all, 130 chihuahuas were found neglected in a vacated rental home in West Jacksonville. When word got out about the need, 200 people lined up at the shelter for nearly eight hours Saturday to sign up to foster and adopt the small dogs.

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A total of 108 of them went out to homes Saturday. 

The dogs aren’t up for adoption yet because they still need to be spayed or neutered and are in need of vaccinations.

None of the abandoned chihuahuas looked sick, said Michael Bricker, division chief for Animal Care and Protective Services. “None of them looked underweight at all. They had some skin issues, which is consistent with a large group of dogs not eating the best food,” he said

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Bricker said he’s confident all the chihuahuas will get a home, but he reminds everyone there are still 300 other dogs in their shelter — not chihuahuas — that need help and someone to take them home.

ACPS said it also could use donations of small size collars to help adopt out the chihuahuas once they’re medically cleared. Donations can be sent to the shelter at 2020 Forest St. or dropped off.


author image Reporter and Radio Reading Service Manager email Michelle Corum is a reporter who previously served as Morning Edition host at WJCT for a dozen years. She’s worked in public radio in Kansas and Michigan, had her stories heard on NPR, and garnered newscast recognition by Florida AP Broadcasters. She also oversees WJCT's Radio Reading Service for the blind. Michelle brings corporate communication experience from metro D.C. and holds a master's degree from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree from Troy University.

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