A dog was found tied to an electric pole and abandoned under the scorching sun in Guanabacoa, Havana, until a woman rescued him on Tuesday after discovering him dehydrated and nearly strangled with a nylon rope.
A person named Naiviv D'Sifonte reported on Facebook that she found the animal early in the morning near the Yuri Gómez dental clinic. After asking several neighbors, D'Sifonte learned that no one knew who the dog belonged to. The poor creature had been left under the blazing sun for at least five hours.
Finally, D'Sifonte decided to take the dog home. Before that, a neighbor gave the dog some water, which he drank eagerly. Now, she is keeping him at her house while waiting for the owner to come forward and prove with photos that it is their pet.
"Maybe he escaped from home, and someone tied him there to prevent him from wandering off and getting hit by a car. I want to believe that's what happened," expressed D'Sifonte, hopeful about the situation.
Increasing Incidents of Abandoned Dogs
Reports of abandoned dogs are becoming more frequent on social media. In the best-case scenarios, these animals find compassionate individuals who provide them with food and shelter.
Last July, an internet user reported that a dog was abandoned at a bus stop in Havana, tied to a fence with a collar and his name written on a piece of cardboard. The animal was rescued, and now they are looking for someone to adopt him.
"This dog was abandoned early Saturday morning with his collar, name, and everything. They tied him at the bus stop we marked in green," explained Raisa Pérez Villaverde in the Facebook group "SOS Callejeros Cuba."
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Abandonment in Cuba
With the rising number of abandoned dogs in Cuba, many people want to know more about the issue and what can be done to help. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
What should I do if I find an abandoned dog?
If you find an abandoned dog, ensure the animal is safe and provide immediate care. Try to find the owner by asking around the neighborhood or posting on social media. If the owner cannot be found, consider taking the dog to a shelter or adopting it yourself.
Are there any organizations in Cuba that help abandoned animals?
Yes, organizations like "SOS Callejeros Cuba" work to rescue and find homes for abandoned animals. You can reach out to them for assistance or to offer help.
How can I prevent my pet from being abandoned?
Ensure your pet is always in a secure environment and cannot easily escape. Use proper identification tags and microchips to help recover your pet if they get lost. Educate yourself and others about responsible pet ownership.