An appalling incident has sparked outrage in Gibara, a municipality in Holguín province, where a woman found her stolen cat being prepared as a meal by the culprits. The shocking event was brought to light by the Society for the Protection of Animals Holguín (SPAH) through their Facebook page, demanding justice for the animal and criticizing the lack of action from authorities.
"Our society demands justice for this furry friend. It’s disgraceful that such acts continue happening while authorities remain inactive," the organization declared in their post.
This incident has reignited criticism towards Cuba's Animal Welfare Decree Law, enacted in 2021 following public protests, which many view as an ineffective "sham" amidst ongoing violence against companion animals.
The SPAH highlighted that in Cuba, domestic animals, even those identified and cared for by their owners, are still hunted and killed, often justified by the nation's economic and food crisis. "Our society is rotten, and our education is so lacking that many seem indifferent to these barbaric acts," the organization added.
The post also directly addressed entities like the Provincial Directorate of MINAGRI, the Holguín government, and law enforcement, questioning their inaction in the face of such crimes. The incident has incited a wave of anger on social media, where users are demanding accountability and punishment for those involved.
During the early months of 2025, numerous animal cruelty cases have been reported in Cuba, fueling public outrage and renewed criticism of the weak enforcement of the Animal Welfare Decree Law. One of the most alarming incidents occurred in February when a woman in Havana was filmed brutally slamming a cat against the pavement, intending to make soup for her children.
The widely circulated footage caused massive public outcry, and although authorities issued fines for mistreatment and theft, animal rights groups like PASOS called for harsher penalties and the inclusion of cruelty in Cuba’s Penal Code.
Last Friday, a case was reported involving a dog left hanging from a balcony in Havana, apparently due to negligence. Images of the event went viral, once again highlighting the lack of effective mechanisms for preventing and responding to animal suffering. This Monday, a citizen shared on social media the starvation of various animals, including pets, in Cuba.
Photos showed emaciated dogs and cats, illustrating the severe economic crisis that is driving extreme acts, from abandonment to slaughter for human consumption. This grim scenario was foreseen last September when the Cuban government itself acknowledged a rise in animal cruelty cases.
At that time, authorities promised to strengthen control and protection measures, but recent complaints suggest that the situation remains unimproved. Activists and citizens argue that as long as cruelty is not effectively penalized, impunity will continue to prevail.
Animal Welfare and Legal Implications in Cuba
What sparked outrage in Gibara?
The outrage in Gibara was caused by a woman's discovery that her stolen cat was being cooked by thieves, an incident that was revealed by the Society for the Protection of Animals Holguín.
How has the Cuban Animal Welfare Decree Law been criticized?
The Cuban Animal Welfare Decree Law has been criticized as ineffective and a "sham" due to its failure to prevent ongoing violence against companion animals, as highlighted by incidents like the one in Gibara.
What are some recent examples of animal cruelty in Cuba?
Recent examples of animal cruelty in Cuba include a woman in Havana being filmed slamming a cat against the pavement, and a dog found hanging from a balcony, both sparking public outrage and calls for harsher penalties.
What actions have activists called for regarding animal cruelty?
Activists have called for the inclusion of animal cruelty in Cuba's Penal Code and for harsher penalties to be imposed, arguing that without effective punishment, impunity will persist.