The Spanish city of Terrassa has decided to temporarily suspend the adoption of black cats until after Halloween. The measure, implemented by the city council, aims to avoid possible rituals, mistreatment and adoptions motivated by superstitions that continue to associate these animals with bad luck.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, since the beginning of October, the local Domestic Animal Care Center has stopped authorizing adoptions of black cats, a restriction that will remain in place until November 1st. The municipality explains that the decision seeks to “protect the most vulnerable animals from the superstitions that still persist” and ensure that each adoption is carried out in a responsible and lasting way.
Rituals and superstitions continue to put animals at risk
The measure comes after repeated warnings from animal protection associations, which every year report an increase in suspicious adoptions in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Some Spanish organizations have reported cases in which animals are used in rituals, abandoned after parties or even mistreated.
Terrassa’s animal welfare councilor, Noel Duque Alarcó, explained to the The Country that the decision aims to “prevent abuse and ensure that anyone who adopts a cat does so with genuine intention”. The mayor also acknowledged that, in recent years, a pattern of unclear adoption requests has been detected, coinciding with the end of October.
In statements cited by the local press, Duque highlighted that “superstitions linked to black cats continue to exist, despite not making sense in the 21st century”, and recalled that many animal shelters in Spain and other countries apply similar restrictions at this time.
An ancient symbol with lingering cultural weight
The association between black cats and the occult has medieval origins. For centuries, these animals were unfairly linked to witchcraft and bad luck, which led to persecutions and superstitions that still persist in various cultures today.
Halloween itself was born in Europe and was influenced by traditions linked to the fear of death and mysticism. According to the The Countrythe use of masks on the night of October 31st emerged in France, between the 14th and 15th centuries, at a time marked by the Black Death — one of the most devastating pandemics in history.
Responsible adoption as a priority
Although the temporary ban only applies to black cats, the Terrassa council took the opportunity to reinforce the call for conscious and lasting adoption. The municipality reminds us that each adopted animal involves a long-term responsibility and that abandonment continues to be a serious problem in Spain.
“We want to ensure that each adoption is done out of love and not out of impulse”, explained the councilor, adding that animal welfare is a priority for the municipality.
According to , several Spanish associations applauded the decision, considering it a “sensible and necessary” preventive measure at a time of year when the demand for black cats increases for the wrong reasons.
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