Terrassa bans adoption of black cats until Halloween to protect them from ritual harm

Terrassa has temporarily banned the adoption of black cats to prevent them from being harmed during Halloween rituals.

The measure, first reported by La Vanguardia and confirmed by the Catalan News Agency (ACN), is unprecedented.

Until November 10, black cats will not be available for adoption at the city council-run adoption center.

The decision aims to prevent potential harm arising from superstitions and rituals associated with Halloween.

However, the city council has no record of such incidents occurring locally.

The town hall said it acted in response to calls from animal rights groups requesting additional protection for black cats.

Currently, the adoption center in Terrassa houses around 100 cats, 12 of which are black.

The city council emphasized that the measure is “temporary and exceptional” and does not constitute discrimination based on color, but rather represents an "extra precaution for animal welfare."

If an adoption request for a black cat is submitted between now and November 10, it will be reviewed after the restriction period ends.

Exceptionally, requests may be considered immediately if the applicant demonstrates "full guarantees, reliability, and a strong history of responsible pet ownership."