In a distressing turn of events, two residents in Cuba took the life of an abandoned cat and consumed it as food. The feline, once left behind by a family that moved away, had gained a reputation for its affectionate nature and cunning ability to survive on the streets. Some neighbors claimed that the cat was even capable of opening refrigerators in nearby homes in search of sustenance. This shocking incident was brought to light by the independent outlet elTOQUE on their X profile, though the exact location remains undisclosed.
One of the individuals who reported the incident shared that the cat had entered her home twice, seeking food. "It was somewhat bothersome because it opened refrigerators. Ladies and gentlemen, if humans struggle with hunger, imagine an animal that acts out of sheer instinct," remarked the complainant, who also cares for four other cats in her household.
Prior to its grim fate, the cat had already faced violence from one neighbor, who inflicted severe injuries upon it. Remarkably, the cat recovered with proper care, honey, and nutrition. Yet, the situation escalated as the same neighbors set a trap, waited for the cat to gain weight, and then brutally killed and ate it. "I ask myself: is it truly necessary to resort to such measures?" questioned the complainant, noting that the perpetrators are employed and have access to food, attributing the act to sheer cruelty.
This incident echoes another recent case in Havana where a woman, Ana Selena Martínez López, was caught on video violently killing a cat, stating it was intended for "soup for the children." This sparked widespread outrage across Cuba and social media. The act was condemned by the Animal Protection platform SOS - PASOS, which demanded stringent punishment for the woman. Following public pressure, Cuban authorities imposed two fines on Martínez López: one for 3,000 CUP by Animal Health and another for 7,000 CUP by the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), since the cat was owned and the act considered theft. However, activists argue these penalties are inadequate and continue to push for animal cruelty to be explicitly addressed in Cuba's Penal Code.
On March 6, the Cuban government labeled the cat's killing as "abhorrent" and reaffirmed a "zero tolerance" policy towards such acts. The Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) announced an investigation in collaboration with the PNR. Despite these statements, animal rights advocates criticize Cuba's weak legislation, pointing out that extreme cruelty often goes unpunished or results in penalties that fail to reflect the severity of the crime.
This tragic event has reignited calls to bolster the Animal Welfare Law in Cuba, enacted in 2021 but poorly enforced. Animal rights organizations urge the government to impose harsher penalties and ensure effective mechanisms are in place to shield animals from abuse and neglect.
Animal Welfare and Legal Reforms in Cuba
What led to the cat being killed and eaten by Cuban residents?
The cat, abandoned by a family that moved away, was known for opening refrigerators in search of food. Neighbors eventually trapped, killed, and ate it, despite having the means to obtain food through other means.
How did the Cuban government respond to the killing of the cat?
The Cuban government condemned the act as "abhorrent" and pledged a "zero tolerance" stance. An investigation was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in coordination with the National Revolutionary Police.
What changes are being advocated for in Cuba's Animal Welfare laws?
Animal rights advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of the Animal Welfare Law, enacted in 2021, with harsher penalties and effective measures to protect animals from violence and neglect.