Related videos:
A suspected cattle thief was detained in the early hours of September 3 in the municipality of Guanabacoa, Havana, thanks to the swift action of a group of farmers organized into surveillance brigades.
The Facebook page Stay Informed with El Cubano Fiel, linked to sources close to the Cuban Police, reported that the incident occurred around one in the morning, when a woman from the farming family noticed two individuals leaving with two cows that had been taken from a small pen.
After the alert, the farmers organized themselves and went out in search of the thieves. One of the suspects was caught and captured near the scene of the crime, after jumping into a reservoir in an attempt to escape. The other managed to flee and remains at large.
The detainee was taken immediately to the home of the robbery victim, where he was held by the peasants until agents from the National Revolutionary Police arrived.
Later, the cows were found tied up in a remote area, along with instruments presumably prepared for their sacrifice.
A member of the farmers' brigade stated that when he asked one of the investigators if they would manage to capture the second suspect, the investigator replied that, as the investigation progresses, he would also be identified and arrested, but they did not guarantee when that would happen.
This case highlights the vulnerability of Cuban farmers and the rise in the theft of livestock due to the food shortage in the country. The price of a pound of meat on the black market continues to climb each day. These factors have led to an increase in cases of theft and slaughter of large cattle throughout the country.
Frequently asked questions about cattle theft in Cuba
Why has cattle theft increased in Cuba?
The increase in cattle theft in Cuba is linked to the food shortage and the economic crisis the country is experiencing. The lack of access to basic proteins such as beef has led to a significant rise in cases of theft and illegal slaughter of cattle. The desperation to obtain food has driven some citizens to turn to the black market, where meat holds a high value due to its scarcity in official channels.
What is the reaction of the farmers to the theft of their animals?
Cuban farmers are organizing into watch brigades to protect their animals due to the lack of effective protection from the government. However, this effort is not always enough, as they face limited resources and insufficient surveillance. Many farmers feel vulnerable, and some have even chosen to sell their livestock to prevent them from being stolen or illegally slaughtered.
How is the Cuban government responding to the increase in cattle thefts?
The Cuban government has increased operations to combat the illegal trafficking of beef. However, these actions have not addressed the root of the problem, which is the shortage of food and the lack of legal access to proteins. Despite arrests and operations, cases of theft and illegal slaughter of livestock continue to rise, reflecting the deep food crisis facing the country.
What risks do farmers face when trying to protect their livestock?
Cuban farmers face significant risks when trying to protect their livestock, including violence and reprisals from thieves. In some cases, direct intervention by farmers has led to dangerous confrontations. Additionally, the lack of government support and the ineffectiveness of law enforcement increase the vulnerability of ranchers, who are forced to take security measures on their own.
Filed under: