Once merely a mainstay of American horror movies and sitcoms, Halloween has been steadily gaining popularity in Australia for several years now, with more and more trick-or-treaters spilling out into the increasingly scary streets each 31 October.

But while scaring ourselves silly might be fun for humans, Halloween can be a real fright night for other animals. Here’s how to make it less ghastly for them.

Tuck Treats Away From Tricky Paws

The animals we share our homes with can be masters at finding treats, which is why we must be extra careful on Halloween to make sure we store our bootiful booty out of their reach. Human treats like chocolate, raisins, nuts, and items sweetened with xylitol can be fatally toxic to animals.

Leave Weaving Webs to Real Spiders

Small native mammals and birds can easily get entangled in decorations like fake webs, light garlands, and streamers and can also ingest them as well as balloons and other items like batteries, which can be deadly.

If you really want your home to be adorned with webs, leave spiders in peace – not just because they offer natural bug control, but because they’re someone, just like you!

Swerve Sinister Sweets

Whether you’re stocking up for your own sweet tooth or ensuring you have enough for visiting trick-or-treaters, even your choice of lollies can help animals.

Steer clear of anything containing gelatine (the bones and tendons of dead animals), dairy, beeswax, and anything coloured with carmine, cochineal extract, or natural red 4 (which are made from ground-up beetles – yuck)!

Keep Companions Cosy – and Naked

Sadly, “ghouls” can roam the neighbourhood on Halloween, looking for trouble. Companion animals – especially black cats – are at risk of being victims of cruel pranks or worse.

Bring animal family members inside and let them snooze through the scariness. (Just make sure candles and cauldrons are kept well out of reach!)

Ensure only humans wear costumes, too. Clothing can restrict animals’ breathing, vision, and movement, and they can choke on small props and costume details.

Avoid ‘Creepy Crawly’ Exhibits

Animals like spiders, rats, snakes, bugs, and mice aren’t really scary: they’re just individuals who deserve to live in peace. Never attend any event where animals are handled and harassed – or cast as Halloween villains.

Pop Pumpkins in Pies

After your jack-o-lantern has lit up the holiday, make a meal of it for yourself rather than leaving it for wildlife to eat. Pumpkin isn’t a natural food source for many wild animals and can make them sick. Never bleach a pumpkin to preserve it, either, just in case someone takes a nibble.

Of course, the most powerful thing you can do to make the world a less scary place for animals on Halloween – and every day – is by sparing them the horror of factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Download your vegan starter kit today to make sure you’re never the Freddy Krueger in an innocent animal’s life!