A supposed employee of the MININT has been accused by residents of Sevillano neighborhood in the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana for shooting birds with a pellet gun in the local park, an area often visited by both children and the elderly.
The complaint was shared by Verónica Cruz on the Facebook group Huellas Callejeras de Cuba, where she posted several photos featuring at least two adult males involved in the activity.
Cruz indicated that this is not an isolated incident: "This afternoon and over the past few days, these individuals (one allegedly a MININT employee) have been seen around Sevillano park with a pellet gun hunting birds. This park is a place where children and elders seek refuge from the heat and power outages, and they could easily be harmed since the shooters' aim is not precise."
The whistleblower highlighted the dangers of this situation: "Today it's birds, but tomorrow they might target cats, dogs, or even people just out of boredom."
One of the photographs shows young children near the hunters, adding a public safety concern to the complaint.
The incident reportedly took place on Jorge Street, between D’Strampes and Úrsula, in the Sevillano area, less than a kilometer from Villa Marista, the well-known headquarters of the State Security Department of MININT.
This proximity makes the complaint against a person identified as an alleged member of that ministry even more significant, suggesting he acted with apparent disregard for rules in the area.
Cruz also criticized the lack of oversight: "Where are the permits to carry weapons? What is the need to hunt innocent animals? Where are the police patrols when such incidents occur?"
The complaint specifically mentions the violation of Decree-Law 31/2021 on Animal Welfare, which prohibits illegal hunting of wildlife in Cuba.
Comments on the post express widespread outrage. "What police? There aren't even police officers anymore, just empty uniforms," wrote Ihosvanni González.
Ivi Yanes questioned: "How far have we gone? Hunting right on the street, in a park."
Other users linked the incident to Cuba's ongoing food crisis.
Taimi Cartaya summed up the sentiment of many with a brief statement: "The regression of the 'New Man.'
Ibis Chiong Rodríguez pointed out the ecological consequences: "There are birds searching for food for their chicks. If they don't return to the nest, the young will die from hunger, thirst, and cold. In this cursed country, there is no respect for any form of life. It's horrifying."
Phrases like "driven by hunger" or "making soup" appeared in several comments, highlighting a context where a significant portion of the Cuban population struggles with inadequate food access, according to June 2026 data.
This event is not the first of its kind in Havana. In October 2025, the organization BAC-Habana warned about the use of illegal traps to capture migratory birds in the Metropolitan Park of the capital, indicating a pattern of illegal wildlife hunting in public spaces across Havana.
Concerns Over Illegal Bird Hunting in Havana
What is the main concern with bird hunting in Havana parks?
The primary concern is the safety of children and elderly who frequent these parks, as well as the ecological impact on local wildlife.
How have local residents responded to the situation?
Residents have expressed outrage and concern on social media, questioning the lack of police presence and the need for such activities.
Is this an isolated incident in Havana?
No, there have been previous reports of illegal hunting activities in other parts of the city, indicating a broader issue.