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Shelters ban black cat adoptions



 
 
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Old October 25th 04, 11:04 PM
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Default Shelters ban black cat adoptions

Oct. 24, 2004

Want a black cat? Wait 'til aftr Halloween

Just to make sure nobody with evil on his mind can get one during the
superstitious season, South Florida shelters have placed a moratorium
on adopting out the animals.

BY EVAN S. BENN



South Florida animal shelters aren't taking any chances with their
black cats this Halloween.

To protect the animals from harm, the shelters have halted adoptions
of black cats for two weeks, until well after the ghoulish season
ends.

That means the five black cats, including a black-and-white kitten, at
the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division's Fort
Lauderdale shelter will stay in foster care through Nov. 8.

The shelter intends to keep the cats away from those who might have a
twisted sense of Halloween humor.

''The most common thing is kids chasing the cats, scaring them,'' said
Allan Siegel, the animal division's marketing manager. ``And we also
worry about more severe forms of cruelty around this time, like
rituals and sacrifices.''

For centuries, some people have perceived black cats as evil.

Ancient Druids believed malignant humans would be reincarnated as
black cats as punishment for their misdeeds. During the Middle Ages,
there were superstitions that a black cat crossing a person's path or
jumping onto a bed was a sign of impending death.

Halting black-cat adoptions close to Halloween for fear of
mistreatment of the animals is a yearly practice for animal shelters
throughout the country.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami also is locking up the black
kitties at its two shelters.

Siegel said he could not recall any cult-like animal sacrifices in
Broward during Halloween, but he said his agency wanted to take no
chances.

''It's possible there could be devil worshipers who are looking to do
harm to animals, and particularly these animals because of their
Halloween symbolism,'' Siegel said. ``There is always that
possibility.''

The animal care division also issued a warning to pet owners, telling
them to keep in mind that Halloween can be a stressful time for
animals, especially with lots of costumed characters screaming ''Trick
or treat!'' as well as banging on doors and ringing doorbells.

Siegel advised owners of black cats to keep them in a quiet room away
from the front door on the night that trick-or-treaters come. Give the
cats some toys, he said, and check on them regularly.

''Just take extra precautions,'' Siegel said. ``Keep them inside, and
when they're out, keep your eye on them.''

While Broward's two county-run animal shelters will resume black-cat
adoptions on Nov. 8, the moratorium at Miami-Dade's two humane society
shelters will be lifted during the week after Halloween, a spokesman
said.

The temporary ban will not affect the cats' chances of being adopted,
Siegel said. Also, no black cats that are suitable for adoption will
be euthanized at the Broward shelter during the adoption ban.

''We keep animals up for adoption as long as they remain healthy,''
Siegel said.
 




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