A man stabbed and beat a stray dog in Havana, causing severe injuries from which the dog was saved thanks to the intervention of a neighbor and the help of activists and animal lovers who learned about the case.
The incident occurred this past Saturday when a Facebook user identified as Marta Alejandra Rivero Ramírez found the dog badly injured and decided to help. The good Samaritan then asked for assistance through her social media to cover the costs of the operation, which were too high for her to afford.
"I urgently need help for this dog, who is a stray but always stays around the building because I feed her. Today, a murderer stabbed her for no reason and fractured a vertebra. She is paralyzed in the back. I provided first aid, but the operation costs 25,000 pesos. I can't afford it. Please share to see if any dog societies can help us. I have her in my house. Please help," Rivero Ramírez posted.
Immediately, activists and compassionate individuals reached out to the woman to collaborate in the care and treatment necessary for the dog’s recovery.
"Thank God the dog didn't die. I already gave her some mush and painkillers. She is in a lot of pain," Rivero Ramírez reported on her social media after providing first aid to the animal. The dog was transported to a veterinary center, as seen in a video shared by Rivero Ramírez. It is unknown if the dog ultimately required surgery for her injuries or the full extent of the injuries caused by the man’s brutality.
On Sunday, Rivero Ramírez shared images of the dog, visibly recovering from her wounds but still scared and stressed from the violent experience.
"Look at the dog eating her mush. She’s hiding under the bed. She has nightmares. Yesterday, she raised her head and barked, and today, look, she’s eating by herself. I didn’t have to feed her. Thanks to everyone for your help. She pees and poops, and now she’s feeling better. Grateful. Blessings," said the animal's savior.
Activist and social worker Yankiel Fernández, coordinator of the Aliento de Vida Humanitarian Project, echoed the good news on his social media and thanked the woman for her noble gesture in helping the dog.
"She’s better. This morning she was given mush and is sedated. She’s improving, and the best part is that she didn’t die. Thanks to the good people who have contacted the lady who is taking care of her," expressed the young activist.
Growing Animal Welfare Activism in Cuba
Animal welfare activism has gained momentum in recent years, thanks to increased awareness and the use of social media to share complaints and organize fundraising campaigns to support Cuban animal activists.
Recently, a horse was severely injured with machetes in Sancti Spíritus, prompting a rapid mobilization of animal lovers who rushed to save the animal’s life.
The ARCA Sancti Spíritus Foundation reported on Facebook that the animal was attacked with machetes in the Olivos 3 neighborhood, highlighting the need for all animal lovers to unite to save the severely injured horse.
In a follow-up post, the organization noted that the incident occurred during a fight in which both the horse and its owner were injured.
"Quickly, our volunteers Yania, Disley, and Yamirna went to the scene and provided first aid while waiting for veterinary assistance. They themselves set up an IV as the horse had lost a lot of blood," ARCA stated.
They also reported that the deep wounds affected major arteries, causing significant blood loss that was contained thanks to the quick intervention of several healthcare workers.
At the end of August, a dog tied to a utility pole and abandoned in the sun in Guanabacoa, Havana, was rescued by a woman who found him dehydrated and nearly strangled with a nylon rope.
A person named Naiviv D'Sifonte reported on Facebook that she discovered the animal early in the morning near the Yuri Gómez dental clinic. After asking neighbors about the dog and its owner, D'Sifonte decided to take the dog home until she could find its owner.
In mid-August, animal protector Yenney Caballero denounced a new case of animal abuse in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, where horses used to pull carts were forced to stay under the sun with heavy loads while their owners rested in the shade.
FAQs on Animal Welfare and Activism in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding animal welfare and activism in Cuba, based on the recent incidents of animal cruelty and the response from the community.
How did the community respond to the incident with the stray dog in Havana?
The community, including activists and animal lovers, quickly came together to provide medical care and financial assistance for the stray dog that was stabbed and beaten in Havana.
What role do social media play in animal welfare activism in Cuba?
Social media is crucial for raising awareness, sharing complaints, and organizing fundraising campaigns, which have significantly boosted animal welfare activism in Cuba.
What are some recent examples of animal cruelty in Cuba?
Recent examples include a horse attacked with machetes in Sancti Spíritus and a dog tied to a utility pole and abandoned in the sun in Guanabacoa, Havana.