The abandonment of five newborn puppies in the rain this Sunday has sparked significant outrage among animal advocates in Sancti Spíritus. Activists have mobilized on social media to save the tiny canines. The ARCA Foundation described the incident on Facebook as “a misfortune” while informing that the puppies had been rescued: “They've been picked up, but a foster mother is urgently needed.”
Animal protectors explained that if a nursing dog cannot be found, they urgently need a volunteer to feed the puppies every three hours, using a syringe to provide them with milk. “ARCA Foundation will help,” they emphasized on the social network, alerting that these animals require constant care to survive. The animal advocates hope someone with experience can offer the urgent assistance needed.
A video of the rescue was also shared on Facebook, showing that the puppies are only a few days old and very hungry. In the short clip, a woman can be heard lamenting that some people could abandon such small puppies without finding them a home first.
Unfortunately, this scene is common in a country where animal welfare laws are hardly enforced, and the rights of pets and other living beings are frequently violated. On Monday, an internet user reported that a dog was abandoned at a bus stop in Havana, tied to a fence with a collar and its name written on a piece of cardboard. The animal was rescued, and efforts are now 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.”
Recently, animal protector Yenney Caballero raised an alert about a dog found at the Havana International Airport, apparently waiting for its family that had left the country. The activist sought help on Facebook to transport the dog from Terminal Three to a foster home, offering to cover the travel costs.
Animal Welfare Issues in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the current animal welfare issues in Cuba, as highlighted by recent incidents.
What happened to the newborn puppies in Sancti Spíritus?
Five newborn puppies were abandoned in the rain, sparking outrage among local animal activists. They were rescued by the ARCA Foundation, which is urgently seeking a foster mother or volunteer to care for them.
What actions are animal activists taking in response to the abandonment?
Animal advocates have mobilized on social media to find immediate care for the puppies. They are also raising awareness about the frequent violations of animal rights in Cuba and seeking volunteers to help feed and care for abandoned animals.
How common are animal abandonment cases in Cuba?
Animal abandonment is unfortunately quite common in Cuba. This is largely due to weak enforcement of animal welfare laws and the frequent violation of the rights of pets and other living beings.