Animal Shelters Halt Cat Adoptions Amid Fears of Halloween Ritual Abuse
As Halloween approaches, a growing number of animal shelters across Spain are temporarily suspending cat adoptions-with a particular focus on black cats-to protect them from potential abuse linked to esoteric practices adn rituals. The preemptive measure comes as shelters report a disturbing trend of individuals seeking felines for harmful purposes, raising concerns about animal welfare during the holiday period.
The practice, while occurring for years, is gaining wider attention as shelters strengthen preventative measures. The concern stems from online content detailing rituals that exploit cats, notably black cats associated with witchcraft and white cats linked to Santeria, sometimes involving animal sacrifice or mutilation. This annual surge in risk prompts shelters to act, despite the challenges in proving and prosecuting such crimes.
“On these dates we do not give any cats up for adoption, regardless of color,” explains Natalia Esteban, a member of The Feline Inn, a shelter that has blocked all feline deliveries until after November 1. Esteban notes that demand shifts to cats with darker tones, like tortoiseshell or tiger cats, when black cats are unavailable.
The City Council of Terrassa has explicitly prohibited the adoption of black cats from its municipal center until November 10 as a preventative step. While reporting suspected abuse is possible, Esteban points to difficulties in securing evidence, and also criticizes shortcomings within the 2023 Animal Welfare Law.
Hug animal,another animal welfare institution,echoes these concerns. President Lola Julia confirms they are implementing “very rigorous filtering” of potential adopters. “We have to make sure that no cat ends up in the wrong hands,” Julia stated, adding that black cats are already less frequently adopted due to unfounded superstitions. “Peopel don’t know that they have an extraordinary character.”
Shelters hope increased vigilance and temporary adoption pauses will safeguard vulnerable animals during a period when they are at heightened risk. The situation highlights the ongoing need for stronger animal protection laws and increased public awareness regarding the dangers of ritualistic abuse.
