The city of Terrassa in Spain has temporarily halted the adoption of black cats from animal shelters, citing fears they could be harmed or used in occult rituals during the Halloween season.
All black cat adoption requests will be rejected between October 6 and November 10. Local animal welfare authorities implemented the measure to protect the animals.
Deputy Mayor Noel Duque told broadcaster RTVE that requests for black cat adoptions often see an “unusual increase” near Halloween. He stated the measure aims to prevent adoptions based on trends or a lack of restraint, and to preemptively address potential “cruel rituals.”
While Terrassa City Council has no record of black cat cruelty within its jurisdiction, warnings from animal welfare groups about incidents in other areas prompted the decision. The council emphasized a cautious approach.
In Western culture, black cats are frequently associated with superstition and bad luck. However, other cultures, such as those in Japan and Egypt, consider them symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
Terrassa, home to more than 9,800 cats, currently has 12 black cats in its shelters. Officials described the action as a “temporary and exceptional measure” for animal safety.
Individual exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Normal adoption procedures for black cats are expected to resume once the Halloween period concludes.