Despite our societal strides toward equality, the fact remains that many of us — overtly or covertly — judge others by the color of their skin. Sometimes, the greater the contrast between ourselves and the other person the more pernicious our assumptions.
Many animal advocates believe this practice extends to companions animals. Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) and Black Cat Syndrome (BCS) theorists assert that potential adopters pass over darker colored pets for lighter colored ones.
BDS and BCS gained traction in the early-mid 2000s following a 1998 study linking animals with primarily black coats to higher rates of euthanasia while animals with lighter coats were more readily adopted. In 2004, Tamara Delaney, created Black Pearl Dogs, a website designed to educate the public about BDS and showcase black dogs available for adoption.
Speculation about what drove BDS and BCS was rampant and varied. The media has a long history of donning heroes in white and villains in black (though he eventually “saw the light,” Darth Vader appeared menacing in his black, full-body respirator). Folklore and superstition might also be in play. Anubis, the black-headed jackal, presided over the Egyptian underworld — including the embalming process — and escorted kings to their final judgement.
To some, black cats and witchcraft are synonymous. During the middle ages, they were blamed for plagues and summarily killed. Even today, some consider it a “bad omen” when a black cat crosses one’s path. Cultural preference for lighter animals in many parts of the world has also been presumed a factor.
To combat this perceived phenomena, many shelters hold special adoption events or offer black dogs and cats for a discounted adoption fee. Some use photographers to capture black animals in the most flattering light.
Further studies were conducted in the wake of surging worldwide reports that larger, darker animals remained in shelters longer and experienced higher euthanasia rates. In 2020 Carini, et al, analyzed outcomes for nearly 8,000 cats admitted to a Kentucky shelter between 2010 and 2011. Overall, “black and white cats experienced the highest and lowest rates of euthanasia, respectively.” However, the correlation was deemed “weak,” possibly due, in part, to high variations in pets’ light and dark coats and “inconsistent color-coding” during the intake process.
Another study by Dr. Emily Weiss of the ASPCA examined data from the group’s Comprehensive Animal Risk database sampling 300,000 dogs and cats across 14 communities. Weiss’ analysis found that, while the euthanasia rate for black animals was at or near the top, their total adoption numbers were also at the top. The study concluded that the reason black animals were euthanized more frequently was because there were simply more black animals in shelters.
The empirical jury may still be out in the case of BDS and BCS. But one fact remains: there are more black animals in shelters needing homes. Shelters are wise to marshal whatever resources are necessary to adopt them out. And we would be equally so for seeing the whole animal as we search for that snug, adoption fit.
Coats are meant for petting, not fearing or loathing.