The town of Terrassa in Catalonia has temporarily banned the adoption of black cats from animal shelters between October 6 and November 10 to prevent their potential use in harmful or sinister Halloween-related rituals. This precautionary measure, prompted by warnings from animal welfare groups and an observed rise in black cat adoption requests around Halloween, aims to protect the cats from being hurt or exploited, despite no reported cruelty cases in Terrassa itself.

Deputy Mayor Noel Duque explained that the ban is intended to discourage impulsive or trendy adoptions linked to macabre practices. Terrassa, home to nearly 10,000 cats including about a dozen black cats in shelters, views the ban as a temporary and exceptional step focused on animal welfare. While exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, normal adoption and fostering activities will resume after Halloween, with the possibility of future bans if necessary.