A Rhode Island animal control unit’s black cat booth at a fall fair on Saturday drew criticism from local advocates. While the cats were given away for free, a representative from animal control says it always follows proper adoption procedures to assure the cats go to good homes. Only 4 cats were adopted. It is now common knowledge that black cats and dogs have much lower adoption rates than all others.
The controversy over the presumably well intentioned giveaway brings up the reluctance of many groups to adopt out black cats in the days leading up to Halloween, even though October is a month filled with images of black cats. There is widespread concern that black cats may be victimized at Halloween, and many pet owners keep an especially close eye on their black cats.
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