Cuban authorities have levied two fines against a woman who brutally killed a cat in Casablanca, Havana. This action follows the efforts and complaints made by the Animal Protection platform SOS - PASOS. The organization, which has been actively involved at the Regla police station, believes the punishment is inadequate and calls for stricter penalties for animal abuse in Cuba.
According to their statement, "From 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., advocates Yucimi, Enma, Laura, Ammy, Paloma, and Raquel, the coordinator of Protection Animal PASOS, were present at the Regla police station to monitor the case of the cat's murder in Casablanca and to learn about the measures to be taken." The incident was captured on video, showing the perpetrator, identified as Ana Selena Martínez López, repeatedly slamming the cat against the pavement while claiming she would use it "to make a soup." However, activists have refuted her justification, denying claims that she had children to feed, and dismissing any attempt to rationalize the act of cruelty.
Following PASOS's intervention, authorities located the culprit and imposed two fines: 3,000 CUP by Animal Health and 7,000 CUP by the Revolutionary National Police (PNR), as the cat had an owner and the act was classified as theft. Despite this, the organization stated that as an animal rights community, "WE are not satisfied with the resolution of the case," arguing that animal cruelty should be incorporated into the Penal Code and met with penalties that reflect the severity of such actions. "Anyone capable of torturing and ending the life of a defenseless creature shows a complete lack of empathy and scruples, posing a risk not only to animals but to society as a whole," they emphasized in their statement.
They also highlighted the alarming nature of the perpetrator's lack of remorse, noting that "according to witnesses, this is not the first time she has engaged in such behavior." Social media has been rife with indignation, with countless comments urging that animal cruelty be punishable by imprisonment rather than merely fines. "The cost of her 'fun' was 10,000 pesos," one user remarked. "That's not even half of what she deserves," added another.
This incident adds to a series of recent animal cruelty cases in Cuba, such as a man in Havana who hanged his neighbor's dog for killing his chickens. These actions underscore the urgent need to revise laws to better protect animals and impose more severe consequences on those responsible for their mistreatment.
"The fight for animal justice continues. We will not give up," concluded Protection Animal SOS - PASOS in their declaration.
Understanding Animal Cruelty Laws in Cuba
What penalties were imposed on the woman who killed the cat in Havana?
The woman received two fines, one of 3,000 CUP from Animal Health and another of 7,000 CUP from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR).
Why are animal rights activists dissatisfied with the fines imposed?
Activists believe the fines are insufficient and argue that animal cruelty should be part of the Penal Code, warranting harsher penalties that reflect the severity of the crime.
How has the public reacted to the cat's killing in Havana?
The public reaction has been one of outrage, with many people on social media demanding that animal cruelty be punished with imprisonment rather than just fines.