Animal rights activists in Cuba have condemned a shocking incident where a woman killed a cat by beating it in Havana, allegedly to "make soup for her children." The Facebook page "Animal Protection SOS - PASOS" shared a video of the disturbing event, which took place in front of several neighbors who questioned the woman's actions. In the video, she can be heard defending herself, stating she was making "soup for the kids, soup for Luisito." Despite her claims that the cat was already dead when she brought it, the footage clearly shows her repeatedly striking the cat against the pavement while it was still moving.
The group demanded justice for what they described as an "act of extreme cruelty against a defenseless being." They identified the woman as Ana Selena Martínez López, residing in Casa Blanca, at Animas #72, between San Antonio and San Ambrosio. The activists highlighted that this incident is not isolated but rather indicative of the impunity enjoyed by many animal abusers in Cuba. They questioned the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Law, arguing, "What good is a law if it's not enforced with the necessary severity? We cannot continue to allow acts of animal torture to go unpunished or be met with laughably light penalties that only encourage these crimes."
The organization is calling for "a FAIR and EXEMPLARY punishment, not a mockery of justice," insisting that "this abuser receives the punishment mandated by law" and that "animal violence is treated with the seriousness it deserves." They emphasized, "Every act of cruelty left unpunished sends a message that violence is acceptable. IT IS NOT. Today it was this cat; tomorrow it could be another animal or even a person. Violence knows no bounds if not stopped in time."
Understanding Animal Cruelty Laws in Cuba
What are the current animal welfare laws in Cuba?
Cuba has an Animal Welfare Law, but activists argue it is not enforced effectively, leading to continued impunity for animal abusers.
Why is enforcement of the Animal Welfare Law important?
Enforcing the law is crucial to deter acts of cruelty and ensure justice for animal abuse, preventing a culture where violence is normalized.
How can individuals help combat animal cruelty in Cuba?
Individuals can support activist groups, raise awareness, report abuse, and advocate for stronger enforcement of existing laws.