In the municipality of Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, authorities have detained two individuals after they were discovered with over 160 pounds of beef at a residence. Witnesses claim that three additional animals were hidden there, ready for illegal slaughter.
The Facebook page “Héroes del Moncada,” which supports the Cuban regime, reported the incident on Wednesday. According to the post, the suspects were apprehended with processed beef, prepared for sale. The discovery took place in the area known as El Sitio, where police uncovered the processed meat and evidence of other slaughtered cattle.
Local residents mentioned that besides the confiscated meat, three more animals were concealed nearby, allegedly intended for unlawful butchering. However, authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the fate of these animals or the legal proceedings facing the detainees.
The ongoing food scarcity and economic crisis have led to a rise in such activities, despite the state's stringent livestock regulations. In December, police in Songo-La Maya, also in Santiago de Cuba, recovered two oxen that had been stolen and were about to be illegally slaughtered. This intervention followed a complaint from the animals' owners in Matahambre, as reported by the pro-regime Facebook page "Héroes del Moncada."
Just a few days ago, during an operation against the illicit meat trade in Santiago de Cuba, police seized several pounds of beef and homemade weapons. This action was taken after a local resident from Oscar Lucero in the Mella municipality filed a complaint. The regime-supporting page “Héroes del Moncada” noted that police raided a house where illegal meat sales were being prepared, catching the perpetrators in the act.
The issue is so prevalent that the regime has acknowledged that in 2024, a total of 1,615 Cuban citizens were penalized for offenses related to the illegal slaughter of large livestock and trafficking in their meat. According to a report by Tomás Betancourt and Alina de Fátima Santana, both magistrates of the Supreme People's Court, 90 percent of those prosecuted received prison sentences, with 78 percent facing up to 15 years in jail.
Understanding the Rise of Illegal Cattle Slaughter in Cuba
What led to the increase in illegal cattle slaughter in Cuba?
The rise in illegal cattle slaughter is largely due to severe food shortages and the ongoing economic crisis, prompting some to bypass strict state regulations on livestock.
How are the authorities responding to this issue?
Authorities have intensified their efforts by conducting raids, making arrests, and imposing severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences for those involved in illegal slaughtering and meat trafficking.
What are the legal consequences of illegal cattle slaughter in Cuba?
Individuals caught engaging in illegal cattle slaughter can face severe penalties, with 90 percent of prosecuted individuals receiving prison sentences, and 78 percent receiving sentences of up to 15 years.