Superstition Rules Terrible Fate for Black Cats in Italy

Belief systems around the world can differ so greatly on one topic. Take the black cat for instance, while it is a commonly known superstition that black cats represent bad luck; for many of us, it's generally just a passing thought that is quickly tossed aside as the black cat is allowed to continue down its path and we keep going our own way, while residents of the UK actually consider black cats a sign of good luck.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in Italy. Since the middle ages, Italy has deemed black cats as 'instruments of the devil', being directly associated with witchcraft. It is estimated that 60,000 black cats were killed last year due to this fervent belief in an effort to ward off bad luck as well as satanic rites and the claims of cosmetic labs stating that black fur produces the most desirable results. According to the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment (AIDAA), this slaughter must be stopped by way of proper education.

This education has already begun with the AIDAA setting up information points throughout the city, offering free literature, the opportunity to sign a petition and the prospect for individuals to adopt the black cats. The group is also hopeful that Pope Benedict, an acclaimed cat lover, will speak on their behalf, bringing awareness to their mission and pointing out the ludicrousness of the whole superstition-based scenario.

Sadly, a large number of the cats mysteriously vanished around Halloween and it is believed by members of the AIDAA that they fell to a regrettable fate as a result of superstition. For many centuries, the Catholic Church enforced this belief by priests ordering the violent demise of the innocent felines through sacrificial rituals.

The AIDAA firmly believes that through proper education the superstitions will wane. The association is hopeful that November 17^th will be hailed Black Cat Day and celebrated annually in Italy as they commemorate the love of black cats as well as all others.