Mexican cities suspend cat adoptions to prevent ritual abuse

Animal welfare associations and authorities in several Mexican cities, including Ciudad Juárez, San Juan del Río, and Cancún, have implemented temporary suspensions of cat adoptions during October and early November. These preventive measures aim to protect animals from potential cruelty or ritual sacrifices associated with Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations.

In Ciudad Juárez, the Direction of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA) has suspended adoptions for the month of October, a practice used in previous years to mitigate risks. Authorities have urged citizens to report suspicious activity or unusual findings of deceased cats via dedicated channels.

In Cancún, rescue organizations have raised alarms following reports of several cats being found dead under suspicious circumstances. Rescuers have advised owners of black and white cats to keep their pets supervised and indoors to ensure their safety during this period.