Yucimí Duarte, an animal protector in Havana, reached out on social media last Thursday to request aid for feeding the 45 animals under her care in the Regla municipality. "I am asking for your help to feed my animals, 14 dogs, 8 cats, and 23 more cats from the colony I take care of, as I have no means left this month to buy them food," the activist stated on Facebook. She manages a small shelter in Regla.
"I rarely ask for help, but this time I am forced to do so because I was unable to work for a month due to dengue, and my finances are in the red," Duarte explained, emphasizing the urgency of her situation as she was almost out of food for the animals. "I only have food for today and I don't know what else I am going to do."
The economic crisis in Cuba, which complicates the feeding of animals under the protection of activists, often jeopardizes the care of dogs and cats. Recently, in the province of Sancti Spíritus, aid was requested for a shelter managed by two elderly individuals, which was facing a severe shortage of food.
The ARCA Sancti Spíritus Foundation posted a message on Facebook informing that Esperanza and Guillén, in charge of the shelter, had gone 15 days without receiving their allocated food rations, prompting their plea for help.
In 2023, a similar situation occurred in Havana, where two elderly individuals maintained a shelter in their home and cared for about a hundred dogs and cats without the necessary resources to feed them. A post in the Facebook group "Super Mamis en La Habana" highlighted the situation and urged people to contribute to the administrators of the house-shelter located in the San Miguel del Padrón municipality.
Animal Care Challenges in Cuba
The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba has put significant strain on those caring for animals. Below are some frequently asked questions about the difficulties faced by animal protectors in the country.
Why did Yucimí Duarte request help for her animals?
Yucimí Duarte asked for help because she ran out of funds to buy food for the 45 animals under her care after being unable to work for a month due to dengue.
What is the impact of Cuba's economic crisis on animal shelters?
Cuba's economic crisis makes it difficult for animal shelters to secure enough food and resources, often jeopardizing the care of the animals.
Who else has been affected by food shortages for animals in Cuba?
Other affected individuals include an elderly couple in Sancti Spíritus and two elderly individuals in Havana, all of whom manage animal shelters and have faced severe food shortages.