Eight newborn puppies were left orphaned on La Punta beach in Cienfuegos after a man allegedly drowned their mother when the dog attempted to protect them. The swift response of neighbors and the Arcoiris Animal Project allowed the entire litter to be saved that same night.
According to the report by the organization on Facebook, the man attempted to approach the puppies, and the mother reacted to protect them. Instead of backing away, the individual allegedly took the animal to the water until it drowned.
"The most outrageous thing is that we are in Cienfuegos, a small city where everyone knows each other, and yet no one is stepping forward. It is unacceptable that in the year 2026, with cell phones in everyone's hands, no one has stopped this atrocity," the project stated, calling for help to identify the perpetrator.
A member of Animal Arcoiris went to La Punta that same night and rescued the eight puppies. Before dawn, the solidarity of several individuals had already helped find alternatives to feed and shelter them.
Seven were lucky to be accepted by a dog experiencing a pseudopregnancy and could produce milk.
«She welcomed them with great affection, nursed them, and cleaned them up,» the organization reported in an update about the rescue.
The eighth puppy required special attention. It had injuries on its nose and mouth, apparently caused by the bite of a mouse or another animal, and there was concern that it would not be able to compete with its siblings for food.
Another woman whose dog had recently given birth offered to take him in. "It was a bit of a challenge, but he stayed nursing," reported Animal Arcoiris, which continues to monitor his progress.
After ensuring the safety of the litter, the project called for a response from the authorities in Cienfuegos and reiterated its request for assistance in identifying the man alleged to be responsible.
"What is the purpose of animal protection laws if they are not enforced? How long are we going to allow these acts to be forgotten?" he questioned.
The episode once again highlights the reports of animal abuse in Cuba and the limited institutional response.
Although the country has had animal welfare regulations since 2021, activists have repeatedly questioned their enforcement. In May 2025, a man accused of animal abuse and deaths was arrested in Cienfuegos, but was released hours later.
That same month, a man who beat a dog to death in Mayabeque received a fine of 3,000 pesos, a penalty that provoked outrage among animal advocates.
Activists have also warned that Cuba still does not fully comply with its own animal welfare legislation, while a large part of the rescues continues to rely on volunteers and independent organizations.
Animal Arcoiris finally requested support for the families that took in the puppies and took on their feeding: "Any assistance to the owners of the dogs is more than welcome, as we know it is an additional burden for them."
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