An animal advocate, identified on social media as Miriela Ramos López, has raised the alarm about the disappearance of cats in certain areas of Havana. "I want to issue a warning: two days ago in Playa, near the La Puntilla store, not a single cat—neither stray nor pet—remains," she emphasized in the Facebook group "Sociedad Protectora de Animales en Cuba."
Ramos López claims to have the names and addresses of several residents on Calle 0, between 1ra and Calle 3ra, who report that their pets have vanished. "Two days ago, their cats went missing. There are quite a few. This needs to be made public for the sake of the pets, and we don't know what the end goal is," Ramos López stated in a desperate call to the Cuban animal rights community, urging them to visit the area to verify that "not a single one" is left.
Impact of Cuba's Current Crisis
In the context of Cuba's ongoing crisis, where inflation and food shortages make it difficult for the population to feed themselves, reports have emerged of individuals consuming dogs, cats, and even vultures. In March, it was revealed that extreme food scarcity in Cuba has led to an increase in the illegal hunting and sale of cat meat in areas like Guantánamo.
This alarming and hazardous practice was documented in an article by the Food Monitor Program, highlighting how food shortages in the eastern region of the country force residents to consume cat meat, jeopardizing public health and violating animal welfare laws.
Recently, there was also news of several Cubans in Mayabeque who were selling dog meat. To do so, they sacrificed several pets and stray animals cared for by local protectors, causing widespread outrage.
FAQs on Cat Disappearances in Havana
In light of the recent alarming reports about the disappearance of cats in Havana, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into this concerning issue.
What areas in Havana are affected by the disappearance of cats?
The affected areas include Playa, specifically near the La Puntilla store, and Calle 0 between 1ra and Calle 3ra.
Who has raised the alarm about the missing cats?
Animal advocate Miriela Ramos López has raised the alarm through the Facebook group "Sociedad Protectora de Animales en Cuba."
Why are people consuming cats in Cuba?
Due to extreme food scarcity and inflation, some residents are resorting to consuming cats, dogs, and even vultures to survive.
What are the implications of consuming cat meat?
Consuming cat meat poses significant public health risks and violates animal welfare laws.