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| Courtesy spcaLA |
Halloween is the event
that prompts Americans to collectively reflect and debate the issue of animal
cruelty, specifically, cruelty to black cats. This, in itself, may not be
a bad thing. The sad fact is that animal abuse happens
year-round, to all types of animals whether in families, as part of organized
commercial abuse or as victims or pranks on the street.
If it takes
the urban legend of legions of Satanists targeting black cats to remind us that
animal cruelty exists, then so be it.
Halloween is dangerous
for all animals.
While abusers might feel
more comfortable targeting a loose black cat or other animal on Halloween
night, the biggest dangers for pets on Halloween are far less salacious:
chocolate, an often-opened door, guests in terrifying costumes, and pets
dressed in costumes that are not meant for them.
Do your pets (and
yourself) a favor - give them Halloween night off. Settle your pets into a
quiet room in your home, with dim lights, soft music, a few toys and treats,
and shut the door. If you think the stress of your Halloween bash or a
constantly-ringing doorbell may be too much for your pets, consider boarding them for the night.
Most
pets that get into trouble on Halloween do so because they slip out the
door while treats are being given, or they break away from a trick or treater
on the street.
Accordingly, spcaLA will
not ban black cat adoptions.
Cats, of all colors, are
in ever-increasing supply at spcaLA and other area shelters. It
takes them an average of about two weeks longer than dogs to find new families.
At spcaLA, our goal is
to find the thousands of animals who come through our doors each year
permanent, loving homes. To ban adoptions for one type of animal,
especially a black animal, who has a statistically significant hardship being
adopted, is doing that animal a disservice. We screen adopters and
reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
That being said, if an
adopter feels uncomfortable bringing an animal home on All Hallows Eve, spcaLA
will offer November 1st pick up for any pet scheduled to go
home on Halloween night.
Your spcaLA has been
here to help every day since 1877.
Finally, spcaLA Humane
Officers respond to thousands of animal cruelty tips each year, concerning
turtles to tabby cats. If you see animal cruelty, report it
by calling 1-800-540-7722 or submitting a tip online. spcaLA offers programs for kids from at-risk
communities, juvenile offenders, and domestic violence survivors – all aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.
Special
thank you to Miriam Davenport, spcaLA Senior Director, for her contributions to
this piece.
