The organization Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC-Habana) has publicly condemned a media attack by the pro-government TV program Con Filo, aired on Cuban Television, following its advocacy surrounding a dog abandoned during evacuations in the province of Granma.
“Last night, Con Filo, hosted by Gabriela, allocated an entire segment to publicly criticize us,” the group stated on Facebook. “Using a manipulative tone, we were portrayed to the nation as being affiliated with the counter-revolution, implying our efforts are driven by interests other than animal protection.”
BAC challenged the program's claims that the dog “is fine” and “was evacuated,” citing a lack of evidence. “They continue to fail to show a single image or any proof of life for the animal,” the organization asserted. “Their statements rest on hollow words without any backing or evidence.”
Leading the national campaign for the rescue of the so-called Cauto or Bayamo dog, BAC emphasized that their demands are for transparency, not propaganda. “We reiterate that until the animal is shown alive and safe, our doubts and demands persist. We seek truth, not propaganda.”
The Story of the "Bayamo Dog"
The controversy began with an official media outlet, CMKX Radio Bayamo, which published images of the dog left behind during Hurricane Melissa evacuations. The article, titled The Pain of Parting, sparked online outrage for its poetic tone, which many perceived as romanticizing animal abandonment.
Amidst the uproar, BAC-Habana called for national action demanding proof of life for the dog and offered to cover all costs for its rescue, veterinary care, and transport. “This is not just another post. It's the cry of a dog left alone, gazing at the sky where its friend disappeared,” the organization wrote. The campaign, urging users to flood social media with the dog’s image, became a symbol of public empathy during the Granma evacuations.
The case provoked a nationwide debate. Activist Manuel Viera questioned Cuba’s societal priorities on Facebook, contrasting the outrage over the dog with the silence about political prisoners. His post sparked divided opinions and received a response from BAC-Habana, urging unity and respect within the movement. The exchange reignited discussions about empathy and rights in Cuba, leading to intense online debates.
Soon after, former spy René González criticized the empathy shown towards the dog, likening the public's reaction to media coverage of the Iraq war. His remarks aligned with an official media campaign aimed at downplaying public anger. BAC-Habana responded, stating, “We regret that influential figures choose to distort a legitimate cause instead of recognizing the importance of empathy,” emphasizing that their mission seeks coherence, not prominence. “Our cause doesn’t compete with human suffering but reminds us that compassion transcends species,” the organization added.
BAC-Habana stressed that the issue is about societal sensitivity and responsibility, not politics. “These attacks only strengthen our belief that empathy should not be criminalized,” the organization concluded.
To date, official media outlets have yet to provide proof of the Bayamo dog's condition or whereabouts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bayamo Dog Controversy
What triggered the controversy around the Bayamo dog?
The controversy began with the publication of images by CMKX Radio Bayamo showing a dog abandoned during Hurricane Melissa evacuations, which sparked public outrage due to the perceived romanticization of the animal's abandonment.
How did BAC-Habana respond to the media attack?
BAC-Habana condemned the attack as manipulative and called for transparency regarding the dog's status. They emphasized that their actions are focused on animal protection, not political agendas.
What is the significance of the Bayamo dog campaign?
The campaign for the Bayamo dog became a symbol of public empathy and a call for transparency and accountability during the evacuations in Granma, highlighting societal sensitivity and responsibility.