A livestock farmer from Sancti Spíritus has challenged the Cuban government after discovering the horrific slaughter carried out by butchers on his cattle.
The video of the events was shared on Facebook by the activist Lara Crofs, and it contains very graphic images of the animals' bodies lying in the grass, a harrowing scene.
According to Lara, the bandits killed several animals belonging to the farmer, including two pregnant cows that were only 10 days away from giving birth, and three young bulls.
"On top of everything he has already lost, the man had to answer to the authorities for the slaughter of his cattle by criminals. The gentleman is free but very depressed," noted the activist.
In the recording, the angry worker addresses the rulers and demands that they resolve the situation.
"Raúl said that the cattle belong in the pasture and the bandit belongs in prison. 'What are we doing?' he questioned, referring to the impunity with which cattle thieves operate in the area."
In a quick tour, the gentleman shows his dead animals one by one, or what remains of them.
"Look over here, the three little bulls I had, here they are. That's why there's no cattle farming in Cuba and agriculture in Cuba; the farmer is down on his luck..." he emphasized.
According to Lara Crofs, these events occurred 15 to 20 days ago.
The cases of theft and slaughter of livestock in Cuba are increasing and the owners are desperate. The rise of slaughterhouses in rural areas leaves farmers unable to sleep, awake watching over their animals and at risk of becoming victims of thieves themselves.
Livestock owners have been forced to pen the animals closer to their homes to take care of them, but sometimes, even with them tied up by the window, they get stolen.
Farmers report that police work is almost nonexistent and state that in each region everyone knows who is engaged in theft and illegal slaughtering, where livestock is being moved, and the areas for killing. However, to catch them, evidence must be presented.
In February 2023, a resident in Matanzas reported that some butchers dismembered his father's cows in the courtyard of their home.
Elier Jiménez, from the Máximo Gómez municipality, shared the harrowing images of the slaughter: three dismembered cows, one of which was pregnant.
"How long will this system allow people who are just trying to survive to be victims of crime? It is known who they are, and the authorities do nothing," Jiménez stated.
"Where is the farmer going to keep his animals, under the bed? They even do this right in their own yard. What milk will the children have if there is not a single cow left standing?" he questioned.
He specified that after more than 24 hours of filing the report, the authorities had not yet gone to the location.
Frequently Asked Questions about Livestock Security and the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why is the cattle rancher from Sancti Spíritus so outraged with the Cuban government?
The rancher is outraged because thieves killed several of his animals, including two pregnant cows, and feels that the government is not taking effective measures to protect livestock in Cuba. He denounces the impunity with which cattle thieves operate and the lack of government action.
How is crime affecting farmers in Cuba?
Crime is severely affecting farmers, who are losing their livestock due to constant theft and facing the indifference of local authorities. These thefts result in significant economic losses and impact livestock production in the country.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat cattle theft?
The government has implemented patrols and exemplary trials, but these actions have not been sufficient to stop cattle theft. The lack of effective measures and police inefficiency have left farmers in a vulnerable situation.
Why is the food crisis in Cuba still an unresolved issue?
The food crisis in Cuba continues due to the shortage of basic products and the government's ineffectiveness in ensuring supply to the population. Restrictions on the legal trade and consumption of meat have fueled the black market, worsening the situation.
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