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Valencian town steps up cat protection as Halloween nears
Ayuntamiento warns of fines and monitors colonies amid fears of ritual abuse
As Halloween approaches, some Spanish towns are keeping a close eye on their feline friends, worried they might become victims of dark rituals. In the Valencian Community, the l'Alfàs del Pi ayuntamiento is boosting police monitoring of cat colonies across the municipality. This move comes after reports of cat thefts in other parts of Spain, apparently linked to cruel rituals that break the rules of neighbourly respect and civility.The council is clear: anyone caught interfering with these cat colonies faces fines of up to €1,500 under the Municipal Ordinance. They urge residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.
This local effort coincides with a wider legal shift. With the full enforcement of Spain’s Law 7/2023 on Animal Welfare set for 2025, the protection of animals is stronger than ever before. The new law brings stricter rules for cat owners and harsh penalties for those who harm animals; including fines up to €200,000 in the worst cases.
Nearby in Barcelona, Terrassa City Council has also taken preventative action by banning the adoption of black cats from October 1 to November 1. This precaution aims to stop black cats being used in Halloween celebrations or more sinister practices linked to superstitions and occult rituals.
Animal welfare officials remind us all: cats are living beings, not decorations or props for any kind of Halloween related ritual. Safeguarding their wellbeing is a community responsibility, especially during this spooky season.
You might also be interested in: 7 popular plants in Spain that are poisonous to dogs and cats
Image: Pixabay/Pexels
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