London, Feb 13 : Animal activists have blamed socialite Paris Hilton for the epidemic of abandoned Chihuahuas in California animal shelters.

The animal shelter bosses have now banned anyone under 21 from adopting a miniature pup, following a growing trend of young women dumping their full-grown dogs when they''re sick of caring for them.

They blamed the 27-year-old hotel heiress' menagerie of tiny animals for the increasing problem.

Hilton was investigated last year after admitting that she owned 17 dogs, allegedly breaking U. S. laws that ban non-breeders from having more than three per address.

"Chihuahuas are not a toy or a fashion accessory. But because some people think they are - then realise they''re wrong - there''s a growing problem of abandoned Chihuahuas," the Daily Star quoted Chihuahua Club of America head Lynnie Bunten as telling the National Enquirer. (ANI)