A small dog, frequently mistreated by its owner, was left dangling from a balcony in Havana last Friday, an event witnessed by several local residents. This shocking and distressing incident was brought to light by Ana Habana, a user in the Facebook group "Pets in Cuba."
Ana reported the incident at the CATM building located in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, where an elderly woman named Tania Oviedo allegedly left her pet hanging from her 12th-floor apartment balcony. "This lady abuses her dog, leaving her locked on the balcony morning, noon, and night," she emphasized.
The young woman explained that the animal was left hanging for the entire morning until a neighbor assisted in safely bringing it back onto the balcony. "We've exhausted all resources, and the authorities keep passing the buck. This woman is cruel, and it's not her first time—she did the same with a parrot," she stated.
Despite numerous complaints, Ana noted that no action has been taken. "It's happened countless times, been discussed countless times, and yet she continues to mistreat animals. If they take this one away, they must ensure she never gets another," she argued.
Additionally, Ana pointed out that the same individual is responsible for two young grandchildren under the age of 10, who might also be at risk. "No one does anything, not even social workers visit those children," she questioned.
This incident adds to a string of recent animal abuse cases reported in Cuba's capital. In February, a man retaliated against his neighbor by hanging her dog after his chickens died. Similarly, in March, a man was caught on video cutting a dog along Havana's Malecón, sparking concerns over pet safety in public areas.
Although Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31 was implemented in 2021, activists and organizations argue its enforcement is inadequate. Reports of abuse rarely receive proper attention, and offenders seldom face significant repercussions. This has led the community to leverage social media as a platform to highlight these cases and demand more effective action from authorities.
The lack of resources and institutional apathy contribute to the ongoing mistreatment and neglect of animals in Cuba. Meanwhile, citizens remain active in their pursuit of justice and protection for mistreated species.
Animal Welfare and Abuse Cases in Havana
What measures are in place to protect animals in Cuba?
Cuba implemented the Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31 in 2021, aiming to protect animals. However, enforcement has been criticized as insufficient by activists and organizations.
How do citizens respond to animal abuse cases in Havana?
Citizens often use social media to bring attention to animal abuse cases and to demand more effective action from authorities. This grassroots effort highlights the community's frustration with institutional inaction.
Are there any consequences for animal abusers in Cuba?
While legal frameworks exist, such as Decree-Law No. 31, the enforcement is criticized for being inadequate, and offenders rarely face significant consequences for their actions.