Animal rights advocate Yenney Caballero issued an urgent plea on social media this Tuesday, seeking help to save a blind and sick dog that is on the brink of being euthanized in Havana. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Caballero described how the stray dog was taken to Carlos Tercero clinic to be put down, but the veterinarians refused due to the dog's young age, as it is only two years old.
"He's blind, unable to see the world, and suffers from gastritis that causes him to defecate blood," explained Caballero, who tearfully begged for a kind-hearted individual to offer the dog a second chance at life. She assured that she would cover the veterinary treatment costs.
A Call for Compassion
"He will face a tragic end if he stays on the streets," she emphasized. The post quickly gained traction, being shared over 1,300 times within a few hours. However, as of the time of writing, the dog's fate remains uncertain.
In a similar appeal days earlier, Caballero sought urgent assistance for a dog in Mayabeque. The owners had emigrated, leaving the dog in the care of someone who no longer wished to look after it. Caballero posted in the Facebook group "Yo Amo y Protejo a Los Animales" about a two-year-old pitbull suffering from skin issues. The dog had received medication and was in generally good health.
Rescue Efforts Across Cuba
Recently, animal protectors in the province of Sancti Spíritus rescued a dalmatian that had been abandoned on the streets, suffering from a transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). The ARCA Sancti Spíritus Foundation shared a video on Facebook showing the rescue. The dog's condition suggested she had been used repeatedly for breeding before being abandoned.
Pet Theft Amid Economic Crisis
In the midst of Cuba's economic crisis, the theft of pets has surged. Stolen animals are often sold illegally or, in the worst cases, used for food. In July, a family who reported their two chihuahuas stolen was able to recover them after a buyer decided to return the dogs to their rightful owners.