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The animal protector and activist Javier Larrea, founder of the Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC) association, publicly denounced on social media the case of a beige-coated dog, visibly malnourished, that survives locked in an interior rooftop of a building in conditions of extreme negligence.
Larrea published images of the animal confined in a space enclosed by a metal fence, lacking sufficient food and veterinary care. "It is outrageous to see the condition this little dog is in. Completely malnourished, with prominent ribs and a body wasted by hunger," she warned in her post, which quickly garnered reactions on social media from activists and citizens concerned about animal welfare in Cuba.
Although he did not provide the exact location of the animal, the activist is reportedly taking steps for its reporting and rescue, as he requested that anyone who could offer temporary shelter get in touch.
This case adds to a series of recent reports on animal abuse and neglect on the Island. In Güines, another resident was publicly accused after they dragged and nearly hanged two mixed-breed puppies, provoking outrage in the community.
In the realm of wild animals, the Camagüey Zoo also faced criticism after images of lions with visible ribs and atrophied muscles were circulated, highlighting conditions of extreme neglect. The institution later denied the allegations of neglect and described the claims as manipulation.
In La Lisa, Havana, another report shook social media when a case emerged about a dog tied up in the sun without water or food. Meanwhile, in Regla, also within the capital territory, news surfaced about a presumed military member who attacked a dog with a machete, an incident that sparked particular outrage due to the identity of the aggressor.
The Cuban legal framework regarding animal protection continues to be regarded as insufficient by activists. According to data published by specialized media, the maximum fines for individuals stipulated in Decree Law 31/2021 do not exceed 1,500 pesos, and for legal entities, they barely amount to 4,000—figures that many consider laughable and which do not serve as a real deterrent against cases of abuse.
According to a veterinarian interviewed by Periodismo de Barrio last February, "an animal protection law [...] should promote a manual for responsible ownership and have structures (personnel and materials) that facilitate sterilization campaigns, as well as rescue projects and programs, among others."
It is no wonder that there is a deep distrust in the Cuban judicial system among those who report these cases, which results in many victims of animal abuse never receiving justice and the offenders going unpunished.
In the context of the multidimensional crisis facing the country, the worst in decades, the situation for both people and animals is worsening, with the government showing no viable strategies to reverse the current state of affairs.
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