# Seasonal animal welfare concerns during October

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/seasonal-animal-welfare-concerns-during-october
> Updated: 2026-10-24T15:10:33.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

During October, animal welfare advocates and organizations have issued warnings regarding various risks to pets associated with seasonal celebrations and superstitions.

In Ecuador, protectors have advised owners of black and white pets to keep them indoors to prevent potential abuse, theft, or use in rituals linked to Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and the Day of the Dead. While some cultures view black cats as symbols of good fortune, rescuers remain concerned about historical associations with the occult.

In the United Kingdom, the RSPCA has warned against dressing up pets for Halloween, noting that costumes can cause discomfort or distress. Experts suggest using enrichment activities, such as themed toys or food-filled pumpkins, as welfare-friendly alternatives to costumes.

More recently, the National Association for Animal Protection (ENPA) has issued a warning regarding a surge in social media requests for black cats. The organization suspects that “fake profiles may be seeking these animals to perform harmful rituals.” To mitigate this risk, ENPA advises potential adopters to strictly follow pre-adoption verification processes to ensure animals are not being provided to “irresponsible or malicious individuals.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Halloween traditions and animal welfare warnings

While Halloween traces its origins to the Celtic festival of Samhain, ENPA warns of a rise in suspicious social media requests for black cats linked to potential ritualistic abuse.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halloween-traditions-and-animal-welfare-warnings

### 2026-10-22: Animal welfare experts advise against dressing up pets for Halloween

The RSPCA warns that dressing up pets for Halloween can cause distress, suggesting enrichment activities like treats or toys instead. Meanwhile, Whipsnade Zoo used pumpkins for animal foraging enrichment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-welfare-experts-advise-against-dressing-up-pets-for-halloween

### 2026-10-07: Animal protectors warn of risks to black and white pets in October

Animal protectors recommend keeping black and white pets indoors during October to prevent abuse or theft linked to Halloween and seasonal superstitions regarding witchcraft and rituals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-protectors-warn-of-risks-to-black-and-white-pets-in-october

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Cite as: Seasonal animal welfare concerns during October. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/seasonal-animal-welfare-concerns-during-october