From Theft to Joy: How a Cuban Woman Recovered Her Stolen Dog in Havana

The thief —a 16-year-old teenager— sold the animal to finance his consumption of the so-called "chemical," a drug that is increasingly spreading on the streets of Cuba.

Stolen puppyPhoto © Facebook/Liubis Yicel Rojas Curbelo

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What began as a moment of distress ended in relief for Liubis Yicel Rojas Curbelo, who recounted on Facebook how she managed to reunite with her puppy after it was stolen in Havana.

According to the report, the thief —a 16-year-old teenager— sold the animal to finance his use of the so-called "chemical", a drug that is increasingly spreading on the streets of Cuba.

Facebook post/Liubis Yicel Rojas Curbelo

However, Liubis's perseverance, along with the support of many people who helped her investigate and share information, made it possible to locate the pet. Finally, the family who had bought her agreed to return her.

The story reflects an increasingly concerning reality: the rise of youth crime and the devastating impact of drugs in Cuban communities. "There is no age anymore for anything, and if we continue like this, I don't know what will be left in a few more years, because this is everywhere," the affected individual wrote in their post.

Despite the bitter episode, Liubis expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search and emphasized that hope was key in being able to embrace her little dog again: “My determination was stronger, and I got her back. Blessings to all who supported me.”

In July, the Holguín Animal Protection Society publicly reported the theft of a puppy that recently occurred in that eastern city, an event that has sparked outrage and solidarity on social media, where the image of the alleged perpetrator has been shared and citizens have been asked to assist in locating him.

The case has gained heightened sensitivity among users after it became known that the owners of the puppy are pediatric surgeons, professionals who have saved lives in the community and are now facing an emotionally devastating situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Theft and Recovery in Cuba

How did Liubis Yicel Rojas manage to get her stolen dog back in Havana?

Liubis Yicel Rojas was able to recover her puppy thanks to her perseverance and the support of the community. After being stolen by a teenager who sold her to finance his drug use, Liubis received help to locate the pet, managing to get the buying family to agree to return her.

What is the current situation of juvenile delinquency and drug consumption in Cuba?

The situation of juvenile delinquency and drug use in Cuba is alarming, with a clear increase in cases of young people involved in criminal activities. The devastating effects of the drug known as “químico” are severely impacting Cuban communities. This is reflected in the rise of thefts and other minor crimes, such as the case of the teenager who stole Liubis's puppy.

What actions are being taken in Cuba in response to the increasing theft of pets?

In response to the rise in pet theft, the community and organizations such as the Animal Protection Society are using social media to report incidents and foster solidarity. However, institutional actions appear to be inadequate, which forces citizens to seek solutions on their own, such as offering rewards or sharing information online.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.