Ban on black cat adoptions for this week

Halloween is just around the corner (Friday to be exact) and you know what that means. Time to keep your black cats (and dogs probably) safe and away from crazy people. In fact, please take cautions with all of your pets no matter what color they are. Here's a press release I got from the spcaLA. It's not just this organization but most pet adoption places. In fact the adoption center where I volunteer has taken away our beautiful Ebony (sorry no photo) and put her in a foster home until after Halloween. I know some people think it's crazy but you just never know what motive people have...especially around this time. So here is some information and tips on how to keep your pets safe:

HALLOWEEN CAN BE TRICKY FOR YOUR PETS
spcaLA Bans Black Cat Adoptions

Los Angeles - Black cats have long been associated with Halloween. They are often depicted as scary and evil or at the very least unlucky if they cross your path. Due to this well-known folklore, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) has temporarily banned black cat adoptions until November 1,
effective immediately.

"In an effort to ensure the safety of black cats during Halloween, the ban has been in place for several years," said spcaLA president Madeline Bernstein. "We have found many people have ulterior motives when adopting black cats and it is a shame that all the myths and superstitions about black cats have made them targets."

To get into the Halloween spirit, many pranksters target black cats and use them as party props. Black cats have even been sacrificed during satanic rituals and are more likely to be subjected to cruel treatment during this time of year. spcaLA takes every precaution to make sure this does not happen by temporarily banning black cat
adoptions and encourages other pet adoption facilities to do the same.

This holiday is not just scary for black cats, but can also be very scary for all family pets, who may find the sights and sounds of Halloween terrifying. spcaLA urges people to take safety measures during the Halloween season to protect their pets and provides the following tips to help make Halloween a safe and stress free holiday.

* Keep pets indoors on Halloween night as the extra activity can be scary. Take extra precautions if you own a black cat and keep them in your house several days before the holiday as their infamous association with Halloween makes them a prime target for many who want to use them as props.

* Confine your pets to a safe and quiet area. The constantly ringing doorbell can be stressful so place your pets in a quiet area, preferably with the television or radio playing to soothe them, and if possible, a human companion.

* Do not take the family pet out trick-or-treating. Pets can be frightened by strange costumes and may result in the animal running away or acting out by attacking. Remember, pet owners may be liable for injuries inflicted by their pets.

* Never let your pet around a lit pumpkin. Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens and puppies especially run the risk of getting burned.

* Candy is not for pets. Most candy will get your animals sick and chocolate is actually very dangerous as it is poisonous to many animals. In case your pet accidentally gets into the candy, keep the number of your local poison control center handy.

* Never dress your pet in a costume that is not made for pets. If you do dress your pets for Halloween, make sure it is a costume made for pets their size.

* Current Identification Tags are vital. With the door constantly in use on this holiday, pets can sneak out of the house. Make sure they've been microchipped, their tags are on and the information is updated.