A video shared on social media has caused outrage and alarm among users after showing a man cutting up a dog's body in broad daylight, specifically in the Malecón area of Havana, near Perseverancia Street.
The report was made by a user identified as Suki Cintra, who explained on Facebook that she received images from a witness of the incident, where a man is seen dismembering a dog and, allegedly, cleaning the blood in a puddle of water.
In her post, she expressed her concern and outrage over the scene: "It's horrifying, who knows if it's one of the disappeared, my God. They probably do this all the time.”
"Attention, Havana! Take care of your pets; that is a dog and no one did anything, they just recorded it. People walked by," wrote the internet user, warning that many of the missing pets could end up being victims of this unfortunate scene, which unfolded in front of children and families passing nearby.
The complainant also suggested that the animal's meat could be sold illegally and warned the public about buying meat products on the street: "That's meant to be sold as mutton. Don't buy anything on the street."
The video has generated a wave of outrage on social media, with users denouncing the impunity of these acts of animal cruelty, which occurred in broad daylight in a busy area, without the regime enforcing the Animal Welfare Law.
Despite the existence of the Animal Welfare Law in Cuba, cases of cruelty and abuse continue to occur with impunity, reflecting a lack of effective enforcement and exemplary penalties.
In December 2024, a report by the official newspaper Invasor questioned the real protection of animals on the island, highlighting that reports of mistreatment rarely receive a response from the authorities and that offenders, for the most part, do not face any consequences.
Recent cases have reaffirmed this reality. In February 2025, a man in Cuba hung his neighbor's dog from a tree, an act of extreme cruelty that sparked outrage among animal activists, but did not elicit a strong response from the authorities.
A few days later, in March, a woman in Havana was fined for beating a cat to death, a mild punishment compared to the severity of the act, which sparked criticism regarding the lack of rigor in the enforcement of the law.
The abandonment and sacrifice of animals for consumption purposes have also been reported. In early March 2025, it was reported that a group of people in Cuba sacrificed and ate an abandoned cat in broad daylight, a scene that highlights the economic desperation of many citizens, but also the lack of effective controls to prevent such acts.
These cases illustrate that, although there is legislation in theory to protect animals in Cuba, in practice, impunity prevails. The lack of effective reporting mechanisms, institutional indifference, and the economic crisis have turned animals into defenseless victims, at the mercy of violence and hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Abuse in Cuba and the Case of the Dog on the Malecón in Havana
What happened with the dog at the Malecón in Havana?
A video shared on social media showed a man cutting up a dog's body in broad daylight, which sparked outrage and alarm among users. The incident occurred near Perseverancia Street and was reported by a user on Facebook, who warned about the potential illegal sale of the animal's meat.
What measures are being taken in Cuba against animal abuse?
In 2021, the Cuban government approved Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare, but its implementation remains inadequate. Although there is a legal framework, reports of abuse often do not receive the proper attention, and activists are demanding stricter penalties and more effective enforcement of the law.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the welfare of animals?
The economic crisis in Cuba has worsened the situation of animal abandonment and mistreatment. Many Cubans, faced with a lack of resources to feed and care for their pets, choose to abandon them. This has led to an increase in reports of mistreatment and abandonment on social media.
What role do social media play in denouncing animal cruelty in Cuba?
Social media is a crucial tool for highlighting cases of animal abuse and abandonment in Cuba. Activists and citizens use these platforms to share reports, raise awareness, and demand action from authorities, although the government response is often inadequate.
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