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The Cuban Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) described as "aberrant" the murder of a cat in Casa Blanca, Regla municipality, Havana, after the incident went viral on social media and sparked a wave of outrage.
The aggression, which shows citizen Ana Selena Martínez López brutally beating the feline to death, has been reported as a serious violation of the Animal Welfare Policy and has reignited the debate about the effectiveness of current legislation on the island.
In a news release published on Facebook, the MINAG confirmed that it immediately initiated the corresponding investigations through the National Animal Health Center (CENASA), in coordination with the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
As a result of the process, two fines were imposed on the responsible party: one for 3,000 pesos for animal mistreatment and another for 7,000 pesos for the theft of the feline, totaling 10,000 pesos.
The MINAG reaffirmed its commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy regarding these incidents and urged the public to report any violations of animal integrity, cooperate with investigations, and promote a culture of respect for animal life.
This fact highlights what animal rights activists have previously warned: the Animal Welfare Decree Law, approved in 2021, is ineffective, which is why they have emphasized the need to strengthen penalties and ensure their actual enforcement.
The killing of the cat in Regla is not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of the structural problem of animal welfare in Cuba, where the lack of effective regulation, shortage of veterinary supplies, and absence of protective mechanisms have allowed such incidents to continue occurring without significant consequences.
Additionally, it reflects another reality: the economic crisis, which has left large sectors of the population helpless, has driven some people to turn to unusual food sources.
In February, Cuban animal rights activists reported a woman who beat a cat to death in Havana to "make soup for her children."
The Facebook page "Protección Animal SOS - PASOS" posted the video of the incident, which took place in front of several neighbors who questioned the woman as she claimed she would make "a soup for the children, a soup for Luisito."
Later, the Cuban authorities imposed two fines on the woman, following the report and monitoring of the case by the animal protection platform.
However, the organization reported that as an animal rights community, "we are NOT satisfied with the resolution of the case," as they believe that animal abuse should be included in the Penal Code and should entail penalties commensurate with the severity of these acts.
In 2022, following a scandal caused by the incidents of animal mistreatment during the International Agroindustrial Food Fair, MINAG authorities imposed fines of 3,000 pesos on those involved in the “rodeo” conducted by a group of men using lasso ties on a terrified cat.
Frequently asked questions about animal welfare and sanctions in Cuba
What sanctions were applied for the animal abuse case involving the cat in Havana?
Two fines were imposed on the responsible party: one of 3,000 pesos for animal mistreatment and another of 7,000 pesos for the theft of the feline, totaling 10,000 pesos.
What is the Cuban government's stance on animal abuse?
The Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba (MINAG) described the killing of the cat as "aberrant" and reaffirmed its commitment to a policy of "zero tolerance" toward these acts, urging the public to report any violations against the integrity of animals.
What problems does the Animal Welfare Law face in Cuba?
The Animal Welfare Law, enacted in 2021, is criticized for its lack of effectiveness and insufficient penalties. Activists and animal rights organizations have pointed out that the law is not enforced with the necessary severity to prevent animal abuse, allowing these acts to continue occurring.
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