A activist has called for assistance this Monday for a shelter in the city of Cárdenas, Matanzas, which houses 80 dogs and cats, many of them with motor and other disabilities. This place is the last hope for these pets, who would not survive on the streets and are rarely adopted.
Indira Rionda posted in the Facebook group called “Animal Protection Society in Cuba” that the Fulfilled Dreams Shelter, managed by Tania Amaro, is suffering from a lack of food and medicine. "They need everyone's help once again. Very few people adopt these dogs due to their disabilities, and they would not survive on the street," the author of the post warned.
Rionda acknowledged that the economic crisis in Cuba affects everyone, but emphasized that this shelter is the last hope for these pets. “There is no food to give to these angels for tomorrow,” she stressed.
Daily Challenges and Pleas for Help
The activist shared several videos showing a dog using a wheelchair to move due to her disability. The footage also shows other dogs limping. The animal protector highlighted that daily rehabilitation work is done for the disabled pets at the shelter and noted as an achievement that the dog Liz was recently adopted.
In her post, Rionda explained that monetary donations are used to purchase food and medicine, as well as supplies for cleaning and maintenance of the shelter. She also mentioned that the shelter in Cárdenas is open to receiving donations of medical supplies, vitamins, used blankets, cleaning products, and any type of food for cats or dogs. She also invited those who wish to volunteer to join the cause.
Lastly, she shared the card numbers 9205 1299 7661 6541 (CUP) and 9225 1299 7860 0051 (MLC), as well as the phone number +53 5 6200810 to confirm transfers.
Recently, animal protectors in the province of Sancti Spíritus requested help for a shelter run by two elderly people, which was facing food shortages. The ARCA Sancti Spíritus Foundation posted a message on Facebook informing that Esperanza and Guillén, in charge of the shelter, had not received their allocated food quota for 15 days, prompting their request for help.
Yucimí Duarte, an animal protector in Havana, asked for help last Thursday on social media to feed the 45 animals under her care in the municipality of Regla. “I turn to you asking for help for my animals, 14 dogs, 8 cats, and 23 more cats from the colony that I attend to, as I no longer have any means to buy them food this month,” the activist pointed out on Facebook, mentioning that she runs a small shelter in Regla.
FAQs on Supporting Animal Shelters in Cuba
In light of the current challenges faced by animal shelters in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand how you can support these efforts.
How can I donate to the Fulfilled Dreams Shelter in Cárdenas?
You can donate by transferring funds to the card numbers 9205 1299 7661 6541 (CUP) or 9225 1299 7860 0051 (MLC). You can also confirm transfers by calling +53 5 6200810.
What types of donations are needed?
The shelter needs food, medicine, medical supplies, vitamins, used blankets, and cleaning products. They also welcome volunteers who wish to help with their daily operations.
Are there other shelters in need in Cuba?
Yes, other shelters in provinces like Sancti Spíritus and Havana also face similar challenges and are in need of donations and support.