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Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua – The municipal government of Ciudad Juárez has implemented a drastic measure to protect felines, announcing a complete suspension of cat adoptions throughout October and November. This decision comes in response to a historical increase in reports of disappearances and acts of violence against cats, particularly during the Halloween and Day of the Dead seasons.
Preventing Cruelty and Ritual Sacrifices
Authorities are deeply concerned about the heightened risk to cats during these months, as they are often sought for use in esoteric practices, black magic rituals, Satanism, and clandestine sects. These groups reportedly use animals as offerings or in ‘spiritual cleansings,’ leading to severe cruelty, mutilation, and often death for the animals involved.
The Directorate of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA) and the Municipal Center for Rescue and Adoption of Pets (RAMM) will not be releasing any felines to individuals during this period. While the adoption program typically aims to find dignified homes for rescued animals, the current high-risk conditions necessitate this pause to ensure the survival of the cats.
Why Black and White Cats Are Most at Risk
The adoption restriction is a direct response to a recurring pattern identified by activists and authorities: a significant surge in demand for cats with specific physical characteristics, primarily those with entirely black or white fur.
- Black Cats: Traditionally associated with superstitions of bad luck, witchcraft, or dark energies, these felines are often sought for black magic rituals or necromancy. Believers falsely think these cats channel protection, absorb negative vibrations, or act as a ‘currency’ in spiritual pacts.
- White Cats: Conversely, white-furred cats are linked by these esoteric currents to concepts of purity, light, and innocence. They are frequently used in white magic rites, Santeria, or sacrifices intended for ‘purification’ or to attract fortune through bloodletting.
In both scenarios, the animals endure extreme cruelty, torture, mutilation, and ultimately, death. Animal welfare specialists strongly advise against giving away, lending, or putting up for adoption any felines with these characteristics during October and November. They also caution against unknown individuals showing sudden interest in adopting such cats through social media.
Community Call to Action
The Municipality of Juárez (2024-2027), through its General Coordination of Social Communication and DABA, has launched a public awareness campaign under the slogan “Let’s take care of the kittens.” They urge the community, independent protective organizations, and individual rescuers to replicate this pause and closely monitor their pets at home, preventing them from roaming unattended.
Reporting Animal Cruelty in Mexico
Protecting animals is a shared responsibility. Authorities have provided several channels for reporting suspected animal abuse, neglect, illegal sales, or acts of cruelty:
In Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua:
- Directorate of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA) / RAMM: For reports of abuse, abandonment, or direct concerns, send a WhatsApp message to (656) 554-3391 or call (656) 137-4100.
- Municipal Public Security Secretariat / Emergencies: For reports of abuse in progress or situations where an animal’s life is in immediate danger, call the emergency line 911.
- State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) – North Zone: For anonymous reports of animal cruelty crimes, call 089.
Across Mexico:
- National Emergency Line: Dial 911 to report violence or severe abuse in any state.
- National Anonymous Report: Dial 089 to report clandestine breeding, use of animals in rituals, or properties where systematic abuse occurs.
- PROFEPA (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection): For cases involving wild fauna or species trafficking, call 800-PROFEPA (7763372).
- Mexico City: Reports can be made to the Animal Surveillance Brigade (BVA) at 55 5208 9898 or to PAOT at 55 5265 0780.
Timely prevention and reporting are the most effective tools to combat cruelty. Authorities reiterate the call to keep pets indoors, ensure they have identification tags, and join efforts to prevent any animal from becoming a victim of superstitions or distorted traditions.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/10/15/gobierno-de-ciudad-juarez-suspende-adopciones-de-gatos-para-evitar-su-uso-en-rituales-durante-octubre-y-noviembre/
