Can pets be taken on the small boats in Havana? Activists demand an official response

The organization BAC Habana publicly requested that the Cuban authorities clarify whether the access of pets is allowed on the small boats that connect the Muelle de Luz with the municipalities of Regla and Casablanca, due to the lack of a clear official guideline and the variability in the enforcement of this measure depending on the service shift.

In its statement, BAC Habana reminded that these vessels are not a tourist attraction, but an essential public service for thousands of Havana residents.

Through its social media, the entity asked the Provincial Transport Company of Havana and the Maritime Administration of MITRANS to confirm whether there are any regulations, internal circulars, or resolutions that explicitly govern the transportation of pets in this service.

The organization proposed that, in the absence of an existing protocol, one should be developed that includes the mandatory use of closed carriers, non-invasive visual inspections prior to boarding, potential times of lower demand, clear signage, and basic staff training.

These measures, they assure, would enable harmonizing operational security with animal welfare and the rights of their guardians.

BAC Habana also referenced Decree-Law 31 of 2021 on Animal Welfare and its regulations, which establish principles of humane treatment and responsible ownership, as well as the competencies of the Ministry of Transport to issue technical regulations in the maritime sector, as was done in 2022 with waste management on ships.

They also pointed out that in areas such as the Havana Bay, where maritime routes alleviate more complex land transportation, allowing responsible pet transportation would prevent delays in veterinary appointments and facilitate a more inclusive and functional mobility for citizens.

Finally, they called on the competent authorities to establish a working group with citizen participation to define a public, humane, and applicable protocol across all docks, emphasizing that trust in services improves when the rules are clear, fair, and applied evenly.

In Cuba, animal protection groups have made significant strides in defending animal rights. One example was when an animal rights organization won a legal battle against a practice deemed abusive, which set a precedent in the enforcement of Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare.

Meanwhile, activist groups have begun investigations in response to citizen complaints to document and expose cases of abuse, increasing pressure on authorities to enforce existing regulations.

They have also acted in emergency situations. The timely report from rescuers led to the arrest of an individual in Gibara who had sacrificed a horse, an event that generated great shock and highlighted the need to enhance vigilance against such abuses.

In the community sphere, animal advocates have intervened in everyday cases of cruelty. One example was when neighbors and activists reported the situation of a dog chained up all day on a terrace, which led to demands for more humane conditions for pets in urban environments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Transportation on the Small Boats of Havana