Halloween: South Devon College animal expert debunks reputation of creepy creatures
Black cats, rats, spiders, bats and owls are just some of the animals synonymous with Halloween.
But do these animals deserve their sinister and mysterious reputation?
As All Hallows Eve approaches experts from the Animal Care Centre at South Devon College explore the myths and legends surrounding these creatures and shed light on why they don’t deserve their menacing notoriety.
So where did it all start to go wrong for black cats, spiders, bats and owls? It’s thought that witch trials contributed to the superstition around these animals or familiars as they were known.
It’s estimated that around 500 women were killed for practising witchcraft in England between the 15th and 18th centuries, although exact numbers vary. In Devon, Alice Molland was the last woman to be executed in England for the crime of being a witch.
It was believed by many people that small animals served as witch’s companions. These loyal guardians and protectors to witches would assist them with magic. But according to the Animal Unit Manager at South Devon College, black cats, spiders, bats and owls have unfairly borne the brunt of these myths for centuries.
“I think another reason we link these animals to Halloween is their association with the night and their secretive behaviours in the dark. It adds to their spooky notoriety,” said Anna Birks.
In the 17th century, when people were terrified of witchcraft, black cats were thought to be witches in disguise or their familiars and could bring bad luck if they crossed your path.
But today’s experts are keen to dismiss these myths. “Black cats are as loving and friendly as any other type of cat,” says Anna. “Unfortunately, their association with bad luck persists, especially around Halloween. But they’re just beautiful animals who deserve love and care like any other pet.”
Animal shelters have even noticed that black cats are sadly the least likely to be adopted due to some of these age-old superstitions.
Rats, like black cats and toads, have long suffered from a poor reputation. Linked to disease and filth, especially after the Black Death, they are another animal connected with witches and the supernatural. Rats were believed to scurry around witches' homes or be used in their potions.
“People still think of rats as dirty, but they’re actually very clean animals when kept in proper conditions,” says Anna. “They make great pets too as they are highly intelligent and sociable.”
And finally, the eight-legged arachnid that sends shivers down many people’s spines all year round, the spider. Closely associated with Halloween it was believed that witches would change their shape into a spider to slide into people’s homes. Then add in the cobwebs and their scary scuttling across the room, for many people spiders are terrifying.
Halloween may be the season for trick or treating and spooky tales, but the Animal Care team at South Devon College are doing their bit to change people’s perceptions of all animals including rats and spiders.
As Anna points out, “All these animals play an important part in the ecosystem and once you find out more about them you realise they don’t deserve their reputation at all.”
