Dogsey

Animal shelters are reporting a worrying increase in the numbers of small dogs being left with them. Almost 200 small dogs such as pomeranians, shih tzus and chihuahuas have been left at Blue Cross centres this year, a figure that has tripled since 2006. Last month the Dogs' Trust reported a 44% rise in the numbers being dumped or given away.

Colloquially referred to as 'handbag dogs' and 'teacup dogs', these breeds were made fashionable by celebrities such as Paris Hilton. Sometimes pampered by their image conscious owners, they have a range of designer accessories associated with them and are carried around in handbags.

The Blue Cross believes that a lack of exercise, play time and mental stimulation leads to the dogs becoming destructive. The owners subsequently find they are unable to cope, or become bored, and give the dogs away. Cast aside like last season's dress, yet it hardly compares to a donation to the local charity shop.

The pampering results in an array of additional problems such as refusal, or inability, to walk, poor bone development, stunted growth and fear and behavioural issues and it has fallen to the animal shelters to undertake the slow process of rehabilitation and rehoming.