This Halloween, the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is urging people to consider adopting black cats and dogs. The organization highlights that these animals are often overlooked by those seeking to rescue pets.
The DSPCA warns that many individuals still hold superstitions regarding black animals, leading to them being the last to be adopted from rescue centers. Colm O’Donoghue, Head of Cat Operations at DSPCA, expressed confusion over the adoption patterns, calling it “a bit of a mystery.”
“There’s a lot of superstition, and people have ideas about what’s lucky and what’s not lucky,” O’Donoghue noted. “Some view a black cat as lucky, while others see it as unlucky. Additionally, some people feel that with a black cat or dog, they can’t see the same facial expressions, which contributes to their hesitation.”
He advised potential adopters to approach the rescue center with an open mind. “Focus on the personality of the pet you’re considering,” he said. “Don’t fixate on the color or gender—just come in and meet the animal.”
O’Donoghue also shared tips for keeping pets safe during Halloween, emphasizing that loud noises and disturbances can distress many animals. “For both dogs and cats, we recommend keeping them indoors and away from the commotion,” he stated. “They’ll sense the activity outside, so it’s best to minimize their anxiety by keeping them calm.”
He suggested feeding pets earlier in the day, as animals tend to sleep after eating. Additionally, having the radio or TV on can provide a continuous background noise, helping to prevent dogs and cats from getting startled by fireworks or other loud noises.
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