By Tim Binnall
A Spanish town has put a pause on the adoption of black cats out of fear that the felines could be subjected to Halloween-inspired rituals. The odd mandate, which lasts until November 10th, was reportedly issued by the community of Terrassa at the start of the month. In explaining the peculiar regulation, local official Noel Duque indicated that the decision based on concerns raised by animal welfare groups about a seasonal increase in black cat adoptions by individuals with bad intentions.
Specifically, the town hopes to prevent the poor felines from being used "for ritual purposes" around Halloween. Duque also noted that the ban will block people from acquiring black cats for decorative purposes as, similar to the fate of many unfortunate rabbits around Easter, they are often abandoned once their seasonal appeal has run its course. "It’s a rather gloomy issue," mused Duque, who stressed that although the town reportedly only has a dozen such animals in their care, they are committed to protecting them. "In Terrassa, if you want to adopt a black cat, it will have to be after Halloween," he declared, "and you will have to prove that you will take care of it and love it."