In the central area of 19 between F and G, in Havana's Vedado, residents have reported the case of a dog that remains chained all day on a terrace, with no shade, no room to move, and without even the possibility of lying down comfortably.
The rope or chain that holds it is so short that the animal remains motionless, exposed to sun or rain.
According to the testimony of a person shared on the Facebook page of the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC) in Havana, the abuse is visible from their home. “From my window, I see him there all day, with the rope between his legs, motionless. There is no shade. There is no companionship. There is no life.”
The description makes it clear that this is not an isolated or temporary case, but rather a sustained situation of abuse.
The group of volunteers advocating for animal welfare reminded that this type of practice is not only cruel but also openly violates what is established in Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare in Cuba. Its Article 9, section d, explicitly prohibits keeping animals tied up or permanently immobilized or without sufficient space to move.
The scene reported in El Vedado undoubtedly fits that legal definition of animal abuse.
The indicated location is right behind a beige house, but so far, the exact address and those responsible have not been accurately identified.
The organization of activists is urgently requesting collaboration from the residents of that area to stop this abuse. Any additional information could make a difference in rescuing the animal and enforcing the law.
The case highlights not only the irresponsibility of the person keeping the dog in those conditions but also the dangerous silence that often surrounds such situations. The suffering of a living being cannot continue to go unnoticed or be normalized. This dog cannot speak, cannot free itself, and cannot ask for help. The question is: who will do it for him?
In June, activists reported on the situation of a dog that was being hit from a window of a house in the municipality of Guanabacoa, in Havana, and that was living chained in an eave exposed to the sun, rain, and neglect. Following the actions of a group of animal activists, the dog was rescued.
At the end of April, animal rights activists also reported an alarming case of extreme cruelty against a puppy named "Coco," who was beheaded in the Alta Habana neighborhood of Boyeros, Havana.
Moreover, two men were arrested in Villa Clara after an attempt to traffick 10 parakeet chicks that were intended to be sold in Havana.
Although Cuba has had the Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31 since April 2021, the structural shortcomings in resources and organization within the national veterinary system leave abandoned and unprotected stray animals in cities and rural areas.
The conditions in which the specimens are found in several zoos in the country have also been reported.
While denouncing impunity, neglect, and abuse, animal protectors demand a truly effective law that surpasses the current ineffective decree-law.
On June 8, BAC announced the start of an international project aimed at ending the impunity of animal abuse on the island, extending its effects beyond national borders.
The plan includes the creation of legal files on verified cases of animal cruelty, which will be sent to consulates, prosecutors' offices, and immigration offices in the United States, the European Union, and other countries with strong regulations related to animal abuse crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Abuse in Cuba
What does Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare in Cuba establish?
The Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31 prohibits keeping animals tied up or permanently immobilized, as well as any form of abuse. However, its implementation in practice has been insufficient, allowing many cases of animal cruelty to go unpunished.
What has happened with the recent cases of animal cruelty in Cuba?
Recently, several cases of animal abuse have been reported in Cuba, including dogs chained up, animals being beaten, and the illegal sale of wild species. These incidents have caused outrage, but the penalties have been lenient and often insufficient to deter abuse.
What measures are animal welfare organizations taking in Cuba?
Organizations like BAC are gathering evidence and creating legal files to send to international authorities, seeking that those responsible for animal abuse face consequences beyond Cuban borders. They are also highlighting cases on social media to push for more effective law enforcement.
What is the current situation of stray animals in Cuba?
Street animals in Cuba are unprotected due to the structural deficiencies of the veterinary system and the lack of effective enforcement of the animal welfare decree-law. This has resulted in their heavy reliance on the assistance of activists and non-governmental organizations.
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