Laura: I do think the amount of dogs in the

United States that are homeless is an epidemic and we as rescuers work tirelessly day in

and day out. We do anything we can to get them safe.

COMM: These cute faces would melt any dog

lover's heart, but their tragic past tells a darker story. Shocking new figures reveal

that Chihuahuas are being abandoned in their droves.

COMM: With 2,276 taken in by Animal Care and

Control in New York City between 2010 and 2012.

Precious Pups rescue is one shelter in the

Big Apple looking to make a difference, and has been taking in small breeds since 2001.

The shelter recently took in a staggering

Chihuahuas in one shipment.

Owners Laura Zambito and Rose Hooghkirk want

to highlight the growing problem of Chihuahuas being bought for the wrong reasons., which

they say stems for the dogs being used as a fashion statement and as ill-consdered gifts.

Laura: They are the second most euthanized

dogs in the United States. A dog is for life, it's not just for Christmas. It shouldn't

be given as a gift, we don't condone that.

COMM: Abandoned pup Vanilla is one of 60 dogs

currently being cared for by Laura and her team.

Laura: She was found wondering the streets

in a little dress, no one came in to claim her. She's very pink, her hair was much worse.

She also has some mammary tumors which we're

going to get removed and very bad teeth.

COMM: Laura's aim is to get all the dogs adopted

or re-homed for the new year, but she fears the problem could get even worse over the

festive period.

Laura: There's always been a very large need

out there for Chihuahuas. Their numbers are rising in shelters and we're doing everything

we can to keep up with it, to get them out of there alive. Some don't make it.

COMM: For the time being, Laura will continue

in her quest to raise awareness and save the abandoned dogs of New York.

-- END --