Groups Halt Adoption of Black Cats

As Halloween approaches with its tradition of superstition and black magic, humane societies and pet shops are keeping a wary eye on would-be owners of black cats.

Concerned that black cats might be abused by pranksters or cult members, many San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County humane societies refuse to allow the adoption of black cats as Halloween approaches.

“In this business, you see people do terrible things to animals,” said Marsha Wyatt, a supervisor at the Pomona Humane Society. Wyatt said cats are a particular target because they are small, accessible and easy to handle.

The Pomona Humane Society has a weeklong moratorium on the adoption of black cats before Halloween.

Abuse of black cats on Halloween ranges from pranks--such as spray-painting a white stripe to make them resemble skunks--to dismemberment and death, local humane society officials say.

During the Halloween season, Wyatt says her organization gets “quite a few calls” about satanic cults using cats for rituals “but we can’t always verify them. . . . All we know is that this is a thing that can happen.”

Bob Ballenger, executive assistant for Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, said the county’s policy of suspending the adoption of black cats around Halloween began several years ago after reports of abuse circulated.

“We feel there’s sufficient risk out there,” he said. “If somebody comes in asking specifically for a black cat, it would arouse our suspicion.”

The humane societies also urge owners to keep their pets inside during Halloween because the number of costumed people on the street and excitement could frighten the animals and cause potential danger to both them and the trick-or-treaters.