By Jennifer McLarty
Victoria News
Black cats go hand in hand with Halloween. But they could be hard to spot between now and Oct. 31.
The Capital Regional District, the Victoria branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Petcetera have banned adoptions and sales of black cats until Halloween is over.
"The concern is there are unusual groups or religions out there that are drawn to black cats at this time of year," said Carol Sonnex, a part-time employee at the CRD's Saanich shelter and a member of Animal Crusaders. "It's essentially a precautionary measure. It's just not worth risking even one life."
While there have been no reported cases of Halloween abuse or mutilations in the past few years, more pets than normal do go missing around Oct. 31. Most are likely spooked by trick-or-treaters or loud fireworks, and can't find their way home. Owners are advised to keep cats of any colour safely inside on Halloween.
Some U.S. shelters have also reported an increase in people adopting black cats for party props, then returning them a week later.
A ban simply helps dissuade those practices, says Victoria SPCA shelter manager Valerie Lykkemark.
"There's a lot of superstition surrounding black cats, especially at Halloween, which makes them a target for pranksters," she said. "Having restrictions just avoids problems."
But the ban has caused a space crunch at the CRD shelter, and staff are seeking foster homes to take in five of its black residents. Another five have already been placed.
Candidates should have experience with pets, and be prepared to make a two-month commitment.
"It will probably be six weeks by the time we can take them back in," said Sonnex, adding foster parents will be subject to a thorough screening.
"Spaying and neutering would go a long way toward addressing this issue. One cat and its offspring can produce 4500 unwanted kittens. Every time you spay and neuter a kitten you're saving that many lives."
Sixty per cent of cats are either pure black or black with white patches.