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The Department of Animal Health (DSA) in Mayarí imposed a fine of 1,500 Cuban pesos and issued a warning to a neighbor identified as Manolo, after determining that he was solely responsible for the death of the cat Luna. This was reported by the network Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC) through a statement published on social media.
"It was concluded that the only person responsible for Luna's death was one of the neighbors, Manolo, without any evidence in the investigation to suggest that the other neighbors, Mabel and Alexander, had any level of involvement," the text states.
According to BAC, only one eyewitness was interviewed in the investigation, as "the other did not show up." The organization deemed the measure a partial victory, though insufficient. "The paltry amount of the fine, compared to the level of aggression against a defenseless creature leading to its death, continues to highlight the urgent need to amend the Law Decree to classify abuse and animal cruelty as a crime within the Penal Code."
Lourdes Elena, the animal's guardian, will continue legal actions with the aim of also sanctioning the other parties involved. "In the aforementioned investigations, not all witnesses who were aware of the events were examined, and consequently, they are superficial," the statement noted.
The case sparked numerous reactions on social media. Users described the fine as “a mockery,” “insufficient,” and “a lack of respect.” Some recalled that “not appearing as a witness” should also be considered an offense, while others denounced that “the animal protection law in Cuba is pointless.”
The death of Luna was publicly reported at the end of April. Her owner accused three neighbors of having thrown the cat from a third-floor window and beating her to death. The report was initially published on social media and supported by BAC.
Days later, the complainant was charged with alleged defamation, which sparked new criticism against the authorities for their handling of the case.
The case remains a topic of debate within the animal rights community, which is calling for stricter penalties and a legal reform that recognizes animal cruelty as a criminal offense in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Abuse in Cuba and the Case of the Cat Luna
What was the penalty imposed on the person responsible for the death of the cat Luna in Holguín?
The Animal Health Department of Mayarí fined neighbor Manolo 1,500 Cuban pesos after determining that he was solely responsible for the death of the cat Luna. This sanction has been criticized for its inadequacy in relation to the severity of the act.
Why is the fine imposed for Luna's death considered insufficient?
The Animal Welfare Network Cuba (BAC) and other activists believe that the amount of the fine is laughable in comparison to the seriousness of the act of mistreatment and death of a defenseless animal. They demand legal reform that addresses mistreatment and animal cruelty as criminal offenses in Cuba.
What additional legal actions does Luna's owner plan to take?
Lourdes Elena, Luna's guardian, will continue legal actions seeking sanctions against the other parties involved, Mabel and Alexander, as she believes that the investigation was superficial and not all witnesses were interviewed.
What is the position of activists and the community on the animal protection law in Cuba?
Animal activists and the animal rights community in Cuba believe that the animal protection law is ineffective and are calling for stricter legislation that includes criminal penalties for animal abuse. They argue that Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare is not sufficient to prevent and punish acts of cruelty.
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