The current economic crisis, product shortages, and inflation have resulted in people's incomes barely being enough to cover basic living expenses. In this context, pets are often among the most affected, as their needs are not prioritized.
The distress faced by stray animals today has recently been confirmed by animal protectors in Santiago de Cuba, who have warned that the living conditions for dogs have become more critical.
"The situation of street animals is becoming increasingly critical," stated the organization SALBA-Santiagueros por el Bienestar Animal on Facebook, an initiative dedicated to the protection of pets.
The organization noted that one of its members visited several communities in Santiago de Cuba with the intention of caring for various dogs.
During this journey, it was observed that the situation of stray animals has worsened, suggesting that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to feed them.
However, animal rights advocates highlighted the support from some individuals: “Thank you to everyone who contributes to animal welfare.”
Despite the worsening economic crisis in Cuba, some passionate advocates for animal rights remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting pets.
Recently, an activist in Mayabeque rescued a puppy that had been abandoned inside a tied plastic bag, stating visibly moved that "if he hadn't moved, he would have suffocated without being able to breathe."
Yenney Caballero reported the incident on Facebook and stated that, unlike the person who committed the animal cruelty, she will fight for the dog: "If he doesn’t survive, he will have a dignified end, just like any living being."
Unfortunately, cases of animal abandonment are not isolated incidents. The inaction of the Cuban regime regarding animal protection and rights often leaves many dogs, cats, and horses at the mercy of their owners' abuses.
Recently, the abandonment of five newborn puppies in the rain sparked great outrage among animal rights activists in Sancti Spíritus, who mobilized through social media to save the lives of the tiny dogs.
The ARCA foundation described the incident on Facebook as "a tragedy" while informing that the puppies had been rescued: "They have already been picked up, but a nursing mother is urgently needed."
An internet user reported on Monday that a dog was abandoned at a bus stop in Havana, where it was left tied to a fence with a collar and its name written on a piece of cardboard. The animal has since been rescued, and efforts are now being made to find someone to adopt it.
Filed under: