A disturbing incident of animal cruelty has emerged from Pinar del Río, where a video captures a young man deliberately handing a cat to several dogs, who then proceed to attack the defenseless feline while the scene is recorded.
The report was made public this Sunday by Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC), through their representative Javier Larrea. Larrea described the incident as "extremely serious" and criticized the act of turning the animal's suffering into social media content.
The footage initially shows a young man holding the cat and moving it closer to the dogs. Subsequently, one of the dogs grabs and shakes the cat, while other sequences display two dogs surrounding the terrified animal.
"What you're about to see is not a joke, not amusing content. It is an animal being brutally attacked while someone decides to film it and transform its agony into entertainment for social media," Larrea condemned.
According to Larrea, BAC received the video alongside mocking posts and messages, including phrases like "if you fall into the ham" and "no more meow meow," accompanied by laughing emojis.
"Turning an animal's suffering into a spectacle cannot be normalized, ever," the activist asserted, emphasizing the severity of the incident and the use of the footage to provoke reactions and entertainment online.
Larrea indicated that information provided to the organization locates the incident in the province of Pinar del Río and associates the footage with an individual named Gerardo Milián Hernández.
Despite this, BAC called for a thorough investigation to clarify all circumstances before assigning final responsibility, including what happened to the cat, its current whereabouts, who recorded the scene, who initially published the material, and what other individuals might be involved.
The activist further clarified that the organization does not endorse physical aggression or a witch hunt against those linked to the video, but rather urges for an investigation and the enforcement of Cuban animal welfare laws.
Regrettably, this incident—like others—raises questions about the effectiveness of animal protection regulations in Cuba.
In April 2025, advocacy groups demanded stricter enforcement of the Animal Welfare Decree-Law 31 in light of repeated maltreatment cases, criticizing the authorities' inadequate responses.
That same month, a cat named Lulita died in Mayarí, Holguín, after neighbors allegedly threw her from a third floor, beat her, and incited a dog to attack her.
The animal's caretaker reported the incident, and Bienestar Animal Cuba called for an investigation.
Concerns had already been mounting weeks earlier after activists reported another severe instance of violence against a cat in Havana, once again prompting demands for truly deterrent penalties against animal mistreatment.
Understanding Animal Welfare Issues in Cuba
What actions are being taken in response to the animal cruelty case in Pinar del Río?
Bienestar Animal Cuba has called for a comprehensive investigation to clarify all details and ensure the enforcement of animal welfare laws. They emphasize the need for a legal approach rather than physical retaliation against those involved.
How effective are Cuba's animal protection laws?
Recent incidents highlight potential shortcomings in the enforcement of Cuba's animal protection laws. Activists and animal welfare organizations have been advocating for stricter application of these laws to prevent future abuses.
Has there been a history of animal cruelty in Cuba?
Yes, there have been multiple reports of animal cruelty, including instances of violence against cats and other animals. These cases have sparked public outcry and demands for more stringent legal consequences to deter such behavior.