A resident of Havana has publicly reported on social media that her four-year-old Pekingese dog died after being denied care at a state-run veterinary clinic.
Cyrex Vega shared her distress in the Facebook group “Society for the Protection of Animals in Cuba,” explaining that she took her pet, who was having trouble breathing, to the nearest clinic located at 29 between 62 and 64, Buenavista, in the Playa municipality.
Despite the veterinarian being present, Vega emphasized that he refused to treat the dog, stating his workday had ended and suggesting she go elsewhere. The veterinarian was described as a young man in his early 30s with fair skin.
Desperate, Vega attempted to reach a private clinic at 7th and 92nd. Unfortunately, the dog suffered a respiratory arrest during the journey. The veterinarians at the private clinic tried to revive her for over 30 minutes, but sadly, they were unsuccessful.
Public Outcry Over Veterinarian's Conduct
In the comments section, many people condemned the young veterinarian's lack of compassion and professionalism. The incident has highlighted the broader issue faced by animal advocates in Cuba, where state clinics are hampered by resource shortages, and private clinics are expensive.
Animal rights activists have frequently expressed their frustration over the closure of veterinary clinics, pointing to the government's neglect of animal healthcare services. The Veterinary Clinic for Companion Animals in La Playa, the only state-run facility in Matanzas city, was closed due to the building's poor condition.
Worsening Conditions for Animal Healthcare
A similar situation occurred in Havana, where Cuban animal activists reported the closure of another state veterinary clinic, describing it as a death sentence for animals dependent on these services. The ongoing neglect and lack of resources are symptomatic of the broader systemic failures under the current socialist regime in Cuba.