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Francy San Miguel Pérez, responsible for allowing a recent case of abuse against a small cat in Havana, publicly apologized on social media this Tuesday, stated that she had paid a fine, and confirmed the surrender of her animals to a protective association.
In her Facebook message, Francy San Miguel Pérez issued a public apology and clarified that the original post was not intended maliciously, but rather was made during a moment when she was unaware of what was truly happening with the cat, who was the one suffering.
He also acknowledged that the responses he gave to those who criticized him were a result of the "heat of the moment" and were not appropriate, but he asserted that he is correcting his mistakes.
He explained that in the afternoon he would be delivering the animals to a protective association and showed a photo to ensure they were in good condition.
He also reported that he had already paid the fine imposed by the authorities.
The case had sparked national outrage after a video was released showing a child mistreating a cat with the help of a dog while several adults looked on without intervening.
The recording, reported by the animal protection organization BAC-Habana, showed how the minor was pulling the feline by the tail while the dog bit it on the neck. In the scene, an adult could be heard coldly commenting, “its head is going to come off,” without stopping the abuse.
BAC-Habana held Francy San Miguel Pérez and Anaily Nani responsible for allowing the minor's behavior and demanded that the animal be surrendered immediately, also warning that it would initiate legal actions at the international level if a public retraction was not issued.
The scandal reignited the debate on animal cruelty in Cuba, where, despite the existence of Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare approved in 2021, penalties remain minimal or are not effectively enforced.
Protective groups indicate that cruelty towards animals is a recurring practice that persists due to impunity and a lack of education in values of respect for life.
The apology and surrender of the animals by Francy San Miguel Pérez occurs in a context of strong public pressure, with activists and animal rights organizations demanding concrete actions to curb violence against animals on the island.
The organization BAC-Habana, in addition to issuing a public apology, thanked the cat's owner for his step back.
"Thank you for rectifying. We will proceed to archive the case with the agencies once all the little animals are removed this afternoon, who will be under the absolute custody of the association. Our team has notified you by email of the receipt of the monetary amount we imposed. The transfer has been received, and we also accept your apologies. Animal cruelty will never again go unpunished. Best regards and blessings to you and your family," the collective stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Abuse in Cuba
Why was Francy San Miguel Pérez fined in the case of the cat abuse in Havana?
Francy San Miguel Pérez was fined for allowing a case of animal abuse in which a cat was attacked by a child with the help of a dog, while several adults looked on without intervening. This incident sparked outrage in Cuba and highlighted deficiencies in the enforcement of animal protection laws.
What actions did Francy San Miguel Pérez take following the animal abuse incident?
Francy San Miguel Pérez issued public apologies, claimed to have paid a fine, and handed over her animals to a protective association after being accused of allowing the mistreatment of a cat. These actions came under significant pressure from citizens and animal rights advocates demanding a response to the abuse.
What role did the organization BAC-Habana play in the case of animal abuse in Havana?
The BAC-Habana organization played a crucial role in denouncing animal abuse on social media, demanding justice and the return of the abused cat. They also warned of the possibility of initiating legal actions at an international level if a public retraction was not made. Their intervention highlighted the need for more effective enforcement of animal protection laws in Cuba.
What is the status of animal protection laws in Cuba according to recent cases of abuse?
Animal protection laws in Cuba, such as Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare, are considered insufficient and ineffective by activists and citizens. Despite their existence, the penalties are minimal and not enforced with the necessary severity, leaving offenders unpunished and perpetuating cases of abuse.
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