An online user reported on Monday that a dog was abandoned at a bus stop in Havana, left tied to a fence with a collar and its name written on a piece of cardboard. The animal has since been rescued, and efforts are underway to find it a new home.
"This dog was abandoned early Saturday morning with its collar, name, and everything. It was tied at the bus stop we marked in green," explained Raisa Pérez Villaverde in the Facebook group “SOS Callejeros Cuba.”
"It's the last stop of the Reparto Camilo Cienfuegos (Havana del Este) before entering the old Cojímar road," Pérez Villaverde added. She noted that the dog is currently tied up at her sister's house across the street, where it has been given food and water.
"The dog stayed there overnight to prevent it from being run over or getting lost and suffering further consequences," Pérez Villaverde emphasized, while reiterating the need for a responsible person to adopt the dog.
The post sparked outrage among netizens, who pointed out the cruelty of abandoning a dog on the street and suggested contacting an animal protection organization to place the dog in adoption.
Recent Animal Abandonment Cases
Recently, animal protector Yenney Caballero alerted the public about a dog found at the Havana International Airport that appeared to be waiting for its family, who had left the country.
Caballero sought help on Facebook to transport the dog from Terminal Three to the home of an animal protector, offering to cover the travel costs.
Caballero also demonstrated her commitment to animal welfare when she reported that a Siberian Husky had been locked in a house in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque for three days.
She broke a piece of the door's acrylic and used her phone's camera to confirm that the place was abandoned and the dog was a puppy. Indignant and uncertain of what to do, Caballero decided to free the dog through the opening in the acrylic and left a note for the owners, instructing them to contact her and, if they wished, report her to the police.
FAQs on Animal Abandonment in Cuba
In light of the increasing reports of animal abandonment in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context and guidance on this critical issue.
What should I do if I find an abandoned animal in Cuba?
If you find an abandoned animal in Cuba, the best course of action is to contact a local animal protection group or shelter. They can provide the necessary care and work towards finding the animal a new home.
How can I help reduce animal abandonment in my community?
You can help reduce animal abandonment by raising awareness, supporting local animal shelters, and encouraging responsible pet ownership. Additionally, consider adopting pets from shelters rather than purchasing them.
Are there legal consequences for abandoning animals in Cuba?
While Cuba has laws against animal cruelty, enforcement can be inconsistent. However, public pressure and awareness can lead to better enforcement and more significant legal consequences for those who abandon animals.