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Cuban authorities imposed two fines on the woman who beat a cat to death in Casablanca, Havana, following a report and monitoring of the case by the platform Protección Animal SOS - PASOS. The organization, which has been involved in the process at the Regla police station, considers the punishment insufficient and demands harsher penalties for cases of animal abuse in Cuba.
According to their statement, "from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, the protective workers Yucimi, Enma, Laura, Ammy, Paloma, and Raquel, coordinator of Animal Protection PASOS, were at the police station in Regla to follow up on the case of the kitten's murder in Casablanca and to learn about the actions that would be taken regarding it."
The incident was captured on video, showing the aggressor, identified as Ana Selena Martínez López, repeatedly striking the animal against the sidewalk while justifying her actions by claiming she would use it "to make a soup." Activists, for their part, have denied the claim that the woman had children to feed, rejecting any attempt to justify the act of cruelty.
After the intervention of PASOS, authorities located the individual responsible and imposed two fines: one of 3,000 CUP from Animal Health and another of 7,000 CUP from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR), because the cat had an owner and the act was classified as theft.
However, the organization denounced 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 carry penalties commensurate with the severity of these acts. "Anyone capable of torturing and ending the life of a defenseless being demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and scruples, which poses a risk not only to animals but also to society as a whole," they pointed out in their statement.
They also warned that it is alarming that the author of this act has shown not the slightest remorse, and that, according to testimonies, it is not the first time she has engaged in this type of behavior.
On social media, the reaction has been one of outrage, with hundreds of comments demanding that animal abuse be punished with prison sentences and not just fines. "The fine was 10,000 pesos," commented one user. "That's not even half of what they deserve," added another person.
This case joins other recent acts of animal cruelty in Cuba, such as that of a man in Havana who hanged his neighbor's dog because it had killed some chickens. These events highlight the urgent need to amend legislation to protect animals and impose stricter penalties on those responsible for their mistreatment.
"The fight for animal justice continues. We will not give up," concluded Protección Animal SOS - PASOS in their statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Abuse in Cuba and the Case of the Woman Who Killed a Cat
What penalties did the woman who killed a cat in Havana receive?
The woman received two fines: one of 3,000 CUP from Animal Health and another of 7,000 CUP from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR). However, activists consider these penalties insufficient and demand harsher punishments for animal abuse in Cuba.
Why do activists consider the fines for animal cruelty in Cuba to be insufficient?
Activists believe that the fines do not reflect the seriousness of animal abuse and demand that these acts be included in the Penal Code. They argue that those who mistreat animals lack empathy, which poses a risk to society as a whole, and that the current legislation is too lenient.
What is the role of the organization Protección Animal SOS - PASOS in this case?
Animal Protection SOS - PASOS followed up on the case and called for harsher penalties for the woman who killed the cat. The organization was present at the police station and has been vocal on social media about the necessity to amend legislation to protect animals.
What other cases of animal abuse have recently occurred in Cuba?
There have been several cases of animal abuse in Cuba, such as a man who hung his neighbor's dog in Havana and another case where a man dismembered a cat in Santiago de Cuba. These cases have sparked outrage and called for action to strengthen animal protection legislation in the country.
What is the current situation of animal welfare laws in Cuba?
Despite the existence of an Animal Welfare Decree-Law since 2021, its implementation is deficient and the penalties are deemed insufficient by activists. The lack of effective control and the inadequate response from authorities to reports have led to an increase in cases of animal abuse.
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