Images of a man dismembering a cat on a street in Santiago de Cuba have sparked outrage and alarm among many Cubans on social media, igniting a heated debate over animal cruelty.
Several photos of the incident were posted this Wednesday on Facebook by communicator Yosmany Mayeta, who commented, "The unfortunate photo, which I had to censor, was taken on Calle San Fermín between Habana and Trinidad, right in the center of Santiago de Cuba."
The man, who appears to be over 60 years old and whose appearance and clothing suggest he is homeless, is seen sitting on the curb, dismembering the animal with a knife or a similar object, and placing the pieces in a plastic bag.
Public Reaction and Debate
The post has triggered divided opinions. Dozens of comments condemned the act and violence against animals in general, advocating for such actions to be severely punished by the law. In contrast, some argued that the man should not be judged harshly, as the severe economic crisis in Cuba has forced low-income individuals to find ways to survive, including eating scraps from the trash, due to the high cost of food in both state and private markets. Some even speculated that the man might suffer from a mental disorder.
Many, however, hold the Cuban government accountable for the high levels of extreme poverty in the country, which have increased in recent years, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors of society: the elderly, retirees, the sick, and children.
Additionally, some pointed out that the slaughter of livestock should also be considered animal cruelty and questioned why it isn't seen as violence when it involves cattle, pigs, or poultry for food.
Beyond the controversy sparked by this incident in Santiago de Cuba, the public has shown concern over the rise in animal violence in the country, with reports on social media becoming increasingly frequent.
Just a few days ago, a man stabbed and beat a stray dog in Havana, causing severe injuries. The dog survived thanks to the intervention of a neighbor and the aid provided by animal protectors who learned about the case.
Another story that emerged was that of Blanquita, a cat that fell victim to abuse and survives thanks to the solidarity of several people. On May 16, some children threw the cat from a significant height, causing a spinal fracture. Her owner rescued her, and she has been fighting to survive despite facing serious health issues.
In August, animal protector Yenney Caballero denounced a case of animal abuse in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, where horses used to pull carriages are forced to stand under the sun, bearing heavy loads while their owners rest in the shade.
FAQs on Animal Cruelty and Economic Crisis in Cuba
This section addresses common questions and concerns about the increasing incidents of animal cruelty in Cuba and the economic hardships driving such actions.
What sparked the outrage over the dismemberment of a cat in Santiago de Cuba?
The outrage was sparked by images posted on social media showing a man dismembering a cat on a street in Santiago de Cuba, which ignited a debate over animal cruelty.
Why do some people argue against judging the man harshly?
Some argue against judging the man harshly because the severe economic crisis in Cuba has forced low-income individuals to find ways to survive, including eating scraps from the trash. They also speculate that the man might suffer from a mental disorder.
Who is being held responsible for the high levels of extreme poverty in Cuba?
Many hold the Cuban government responsible for the high levels of extreme poverty in the country, which have increased in recent years, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors of society.
What other incidents of animal cruelty have been reported recently in Cuba?
Other incidents include a man stabbing and beating a stray dog in Havana, and the story of Blanquita, a cat thrown from a significant height by children, causing a spinal fracture. Additionally, horses used to pull carriages in San José de las Lajas are forced to stand under the sun, bearing heavy loads.