KRISHA WILLIAMS TURBEVILLE
RESCUE IN THE ROCK

Most shelters in central Arkansas do not offer black cats for adoption during October, fearing the animals will be used as Halloween props or injured in pranks or rituals.

“There are bad people out there,” said Jacksonville Animal Shelter Kennel Manager Kerrie Henderson. The shelter doesn’t allow adoptions of black cats in October.

Tracy Roark, Little Rock’s Animal Services Division manager, has established the same policy at Little Rock Animal Village, as have the humane societies of Pulaski and Saline counties.

“We want our pets to go to good homes,” Roark said. “Better safe than sorry.”

But Feline Rescue and Rehome, a Little Rock nonprofit animal-welfare organization specializing in cats, thinks their screening process is thorough enough to allow black cats to be adopted any time.

Ironically, black cats and dogs are more difficult to adopt out during the rest of the year. The Humane Society of Saline County had a special in August: $50 for black cats.

“Everyboday wants something different, and the black cats always are the last to get adopted,” said Ann Sanders, president of the Humane Society of Saline County.

Henderson also sees lower adoption rates for black cats and dogs at her shelter.

“It is harder to adopt out black animals,” Henderson said. “People want colorful animals. I can’t imagine why.”

Henderson has seven pets; five are black.

FURR experienced the same thing and determined to keep adoptions open, regardless of the color of the cat, said FURR board member Sandy Staat.

“We screen every potential adopter very carefully,” Staat said. “Then we have an interview in person.”

“Black cats typically are looked on as evil because of Halloween,” FURR President Lynne McAllester said. “People have to get over that.”

Only once has Staat encountered a suspicious inquiry — for a white cat.

“It was over the phone, never got further than that,” Staat said. “It was very strange.”

Red flags came up for Staat when the person seeking the white cat didn’t want to discuss other animals in the house and couldn’t give a clear reason why they wanted to adopt.

“You just have to be safe,” Staat said. The potential adopter never contacted the organization again.

Safety is an issue for cats who have homes as well.

Staat suggested owners keep their cats in a separate closed room when trick-or-treaters come by.

McAllester, who has adopted three black cats, offered this advice:

• Keep your black cat and other pets close to home.
• Make sure each has a collar and microchip.
• Make sure you see the animal every day, if it is an outside cat.
• Enlist neighbors’ help to keep an eye on your pet.

Diane Branch, FURR treasurer and owner of black cats, said during the days before and after Halloween, she keeps all her cats inside.

“I’d rather have a mad cat than one that’s lost, gone or dead,” Branch said.