Social media once again sheds light on a distressing case of animal abuse in Havana, Cuba, with images surfacing on Tuesday showing a dog trapped inside a car under the scorching sun.
Grettel Montes de Oca shared the photos on Facebook, noting that the dog had been locked in the car for an hour outside the Oncological Hospital, at the main entrance on F and 29.
"The person who informed me tried to seek help from the parking attendants and even attempted to open the car," Montes de Oca reported, urging people to share the post to help rescue the dog from the dangerous situation.
Within hours, the post had been shared by 425 people. Many recalled similar incidents where animals had died under comparable conditions, highlighting another documented case of animal cruelty in Cuba.
Social media often serves as the platform for publicizing such complaints in Cuba, where animals receive minimal to no protection from the regime.
Recently, Cuban animal rights activists reported that the owners of a Siberian Husky puppy left it locked in an abandoned house for three days in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque.
Yenney Caballero, a staunch animal rights defender in the area, broke a piece of the acrylic from the door and used her phone camera to confirm that the place was deserted and the prisoner was a young puppy.
Outraged and unsure of what to do, Caballero ultimately decided to free the animal through the acrylic opening and left a message for the dog's owners to find her and report her to the police if they wished.
In recent days, the same activist reported on Facebook that in Villa Clara, a horse suffered abuse that led to its death.
Caballero called for urgent government action to punish those responsible and to amend the Animal Welfare Decree to impose harsher penalties.
Animal Abuse in Cuba: Key Questions and Answers
This section addresses some frequently asked questions about animal abuse cases in Cuba, aiming to provide more insight into the ongoing issues and possible solutions.
What are the main challenges in addressing animal abuse in Cuba?
The main challenges include a lack of comprehensive animal protection laws, minimal government intervention, and limited public awareness about animal rights.
How can social media help in cases of animal abuse?
Social media can help by spreading awareness, rallying community support, and pressuring authorities to take action against abusers.
What should you do if you witness animal abuse in Cuba?
If you witness animal abuse, you should document the incident, report it to local activists or authorities, and share the information on social media to raise awareness.