Cuban authorities have apprehended three butchers allegedly involved in the theft of five mares and a donkey in the Guanabacoa municipality of Havana.
The suspects were captured in the Habana Nueva neighborhood of Guanabacoa after multiple thefts and subsequent complaints from local farmers, according to the state-run Facebook page El Cubano Fiel.
The incident reportedly occurred on November 26th at the Vista Hermosa farm in Bacuranao, where the thieves stole five mares and a donkey, the official report states.
At the site of the arrest, one live animal was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing to locate the others. However, images released show at least one mare that had been slaughtered.
In recent years, the activities of butchers and underground animal slaughter networks have raised alarms across various Cuban provinces.
In Ciego de Ávila, four butchers were detained in October, accused of systematically stealing livestock from farmers in the La Palma area, where they operated with impunity.
In Holguín, a man was caught on video slaughtering a horse in broad daylight, sparking outrage and fear among residents due to the blatant disregard for law and order.
A few weeks later in Granma, authorities arrested a group of butchers transporting beef in several private vehicles. This operation dismantled a network illegally trading meat products in the region, lacking sanitary control and legal authorization.
In Havana, law enforcement has also cracked down on these crimes. A clandestine slaughter ring was dismantled by the police, revealing a site operating without sanitary conditions or permits, posing a direct threat to public health.
Since 2023, Villa Clara has also seen similar incidents. A butcher was caught with remains of seven cows, highlighting the scale of livestock theft in the province.
In another instance, a Cuban national was apprehended with over 600 pounds of stolen beef and horse meat, transported without proper documentation or refrigeration.
Animal Theft and Illegal Slaughter in Cuba
What actions are being taken against illegal butchers in Cuba?
Authorities have been actively arresting individuals involved in illegal slaughter activities and disbanding clandestine networks that operate without sanitary or legal authorization.
How have local communities reacted to these illegal activities?
There has been significant outrage and concern among local residents, especially when illegal activities occur in broad daylight, highlighting a sense of impunity.