Animal rights activist Yenney Caballero raised the alarm this Wednesday over a new case of animal cruelty in Cuba, where a young man tortured a cat and shared the photos on social media. This prompted Caballero to demand that the government implement stricter measures, such as imposing fines of up to 100,000 pesos, to prevent similar incidents.
Caballero highlighted on Facebook that this recent episode underscores the urgent need for the government to amend the animal welfare decree. She argued that a fine of 50,000 or 100,000 pesos could deter individuals like Leonardo Pons, who she claims is capable of committing any crime if he can mistreat an animal in such a brutal manner.
The activist emphasized that the hardships faced by the Cuban people do not justify acts of cruelty like this. "My mother is 70 years old and has two jobs," she pointed out.
Caballero insisted that the government should compel individuals like Pons, who not only kill animals for food but also torture them and flaunt their cruelty on social media, to work for their sustenance in a dignified way.
This is not the first time incidents like these have highlighted the need for changes in the Animal Welfare Law, which many protectors criticize for being too lenient.
Calls for Reform in the Animal Welfare Law
In 2021, when the law was enacted, some activists argued that the fines for those committing acts of animal cruelty should be more severe. However, the law only includes penalties of up to 7,000 pesos.
Following the scandal over animal cruelty at the International Agroindustrial Food Fair in 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) authorities imposed fines of just 3,000 pesos on those involved in a "rodeo" where a terrified cat was roped by a dozen men.
This incident, which occurred in plain view of spectators, and the subsequent penalties, highlighted the leniency of the Animal Welfare Law and, more importantly, its inefficacy in preventing cruelty and abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Welfare in Cuba
Given the increasing incidents of animal cruelty and the ongoing debates about the current laws in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into this pressing issue.
What are the current penalties for animal cruelty in Cuba?
As of now, the penalties for animal cruelty in Cuba are relatively lenient, with fines reaching up to 7,000 pesos.
Why are activists calling for higher fines for animal cruelty?
Activists believe that higher fines, such as 50,000 or 100,000 pesos, would act as a stronger deterrent against animal cruelty and ensure more severe consequences for offenders.
Has the Cuban government responded to these calls for stricter penalties?
As of now, there has been no significant amendment to the Animal Welfare Law to increase penalties, despite the ongoing advocacy from animal rights activists.