Werewolves eating Pets
A story told among the Elves to paint the Werewolf immigrants in a bad light.
Summary
"Better put her on the leash. We're getting close to the worker's district, you don't want her to wander into the claws of some Werewolf."
There is a persistent belief in many Elven cultures that Werewolves are ravenous beasts. They are said to prey on any animal within reach, be it wild woodland creatures, vermin in the streets, or the lifestock of a farmer. In particular, there are allegations that they focus on pets as easy targets, since those are not used to the idea of predators.
Historical Basis
Vinalur Werewolves keep more animals as livestock than Elves do, because their diet is focused on meat and fish. Unlike Elves, they do not have any taboos regarding which animals can be eaten and which ones are meant to be pets. However, they have strict rules against stealing animals from somebody else.
"But how are they supposed to know the difference between a wild animal and a freely roaming pet?" - "You mean, apart from seeing the decorated collar that states the animal's name and that of its owner?" - "Well, it's not like they can read it..." - "Why would they need to? Even they can see that someone put that on the animal deliberately."
Variations & Mutation
Some regions take this one step further, and accuse the Werewolves of stealing Elven infants or toddlers that were left unattended.
Others claim that they even stoop so low as to eat their own offspring if they cannot afford to feed them.
"So... I was wondering... Have you ever eaten a cat?" - "What?! No! For the last time, we do not catch random animals off the streets! I buy steaks from the butcher like every other person!" - "Yeah, but... what kind of meat are those?" - "Ugh, Great Wolf give me strength... It's from the Elven butcher in the eastern market square!"
"Never give them an excuse. Even if everything else fails, it's better to wash the shit off a sewer rat than to prove the Elves right."
Comments
Author's Notes
Yes, this is directly inspired by the nasty stuff a certain real-world president claimed on social media before being re-elected.