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An animal cruelty complaint in Havana exposed a dog trainer accused of allegedly kicking a German shepherd during a walk in Reparto Flores, Playa municipality.
The case was published by the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba (Havana chapter) on their Facebook page, where they shared the testimony of a neighbor who claims to have witnessed the man kicking the older animal, identified as a slow-moving German Shepherd, while dragging another younger dog.
According to the account, the scene occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of his mother and two children, who were left in shock by what happened.
The complainant explained that she was unable to record the incident as she did not have her phone with her at that moment, but noted that the first dog was moving slowly and appeared to be elderly, while the second one was pulling forcefully ahead, which would have triggered the violent reaction of the dog walker.
“It was a terrible attack against his ribs and hindquarters, with clean kicks, and he wasn’t planning to stop,” described the witness.
After the post, other individuals provided additional testimonies. Marivel Rodríguez Beltrán affirmed that she knows the person mentioned and has witnessed him mistreating dogs on several occasions, recounting that she even argued with him because he forced the animals to walk under the sun until they were exhausted and hit them when they could no longer move forward.
Mónica Isabel Díaz Alonso noted that she had witnessed similar episodes of violence towards different dogs.
The dog at the center of the complaint was identified as Thor, owned by Jorge Ávila, who explained that the accused trainer—known as El Chino—has been working with his pet for three years and described him as a well-prepared man, educated, and retired from MININT.
Ávila stated that he would speak with him after learning about the complaint, although he has not made any public comments since then.
The accused, identified as Neomelidrd Fiol, responded to the organization. He acknowledged being the man in the photo but categorically denied having harmed any dog.
He affirmed that the publication damages his reputation and dignity as a coach and stated that he is willing to review the security cameras in the area to refute the accusations.
In his response, he pointed out that his daughter and son-in-law work at MININT, suggesting that they have the means to verify what happened.
Fiol insisted that what has been said against him is false and is a result of "malicious intentions."
With conflicting versions, the case remains open. While several neighbors claim to have seen him in various incidents of mistreatment, the coach categorically denies it and declares himself a victim of defamation.
The complaint has raised concern among those hiring pet walking and training services in Havana.
The Animal Welfare Law, approved in 2021, establishes penalties for those who mistreat animals, but in practice, its enforcement is limited and reported cases often go unaddressed.
The episode adds to a long list of citizen reports on social media about animal abuse in Cuba, in a context of increasing social sensitivity towards animal rights, yet with very few legal and judicial tools to effectively punish those responsible.
The case of Havana is not an isolated incident. In recent months, various citizen reports have highlighted the systematic mistreatment of animals in Cuba.
In Holguín, a man was arrested following the brutal sacrifice of a horse in Gibara, thanks to the swift intervention of activists and pressure on social media.
In Vedado, an image of a puppy forced to survive under the scorching sun and without water went viral, exposed to extreme temperatures without any form of shelter. The incident provoked outrage among users, who criticized the passivity of the authorities.
Another case moved the neighbors when they reported a man who kept his dog chained on a terrace all day, without minimum care or protection conditions. The report, which was also spread on social media, highlighted the lack of effective oversight.
Frequently asked questions about animal abuse in Cuba
What is the most recent case of animal abuse reported in Havana?
The most recent case of animal abuse reported in Havana involves a dog trainer accused of kicking a German Shepherd during a walk in the Playa municipality. The complaint was made by the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba, based on the testimony of a neighbor who witnessed the act. The trainer, known as El Chino, has denied the accusations, but testimonies from neighbors indicate a history of violent behavior towards animals.
What does the Animal Welfare Law in Cuba say about animal abuse?
The Animal Welfare Law in Cuba, approved in 2021, establishes penalties for those who mistreat animals. However, its implementation is limited, and reports often do not receive the proper follow-up. Reported cases rarely lead to significant consequences for offenders, which has resulted in an increase in the use of social media to highlight these issues.
How can Cuban citizens report animal abuse?
Cuban citizens can report animal abuse through social media platforms like Facebook, where organizations such as Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC) and Protección Animal SOS (PASOS) collect testimonies and evidence. These organizations also work to refer cases to the competent authorities, although the effectiveness of these reports within the Cuban legal system is questionable due to a lack of follow-up and appropriate sanctions.
What consequences do those responsible for animal abuse face in Cuba?
The consequences for those responsible for animal abuse in Cuba are generally insufficient, limited to fines that often do not reflect the severity of the act. For example, Decree-Law 31/2021 establishes fines of up to 4,000 pesos, but activists argue that these do not deter abuse and have called for harsher penalties, including prison sentences, for those who commit acts of animal cruelty.
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