The city of Terrassa, in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, has decided to temporarily ban the adoption of black cats from animal shelters in an effort to prevent their involvement in “rituals” or other harmful practices during the Halloween period.

The ban, which is in effect from October 6 to November 10, applies to all requests for the adoption or fostering of black cats. According to the local animal protection service, the measure aims to protect the animals from potential abuse or being used as mere “decorative” objects.

Deputy Mayor Noel Duque told the Spanish broadcaster RTVE that requests to adopt black cats increase every year during the Halloween season.

The municipality stated that there have been no recorded cases of black cat abuse in the area; however, similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, which prompted the decision after warnings from animal welfare organizations.

“We are trying to prevent adoptions by people who act impulsively or because it’s a ‘trend.’ And in cases like this, which we know do exist, we want to stop any kind of macabre practice,” said Duque.

According to the Catalan News Agency, more than 9,800 cats live in Terrassa, while the municipal adoption center houses about 100 cats, 12 of which are black.

The city emphasized that the ban is “temporary and exceptional” and aims solely to promote the animals’ well-being, while noting that it might be repeated in future years.

During the ban, any exceptions will be considered individually by the adoption center, and normal adoption procedures are expected to resume after Halloween.

Although black cats are associated in much of Western culture with witchcraft and superstition, in other cultures — such as Japan and Egypt — they are considered symbols of luck and prosperity.