Javier Larrea, the founder of Cuba's Animal Welfare group (BAC), publicly exposed an extreme case of animal cruelty that occurred on Sunday, September 13, in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of Holguín. Two men reportedly beat a dog to death, while concerned neighbors struggled in vain to stop the assault.
The incident was captured in a Facebook video, depicting a frightened, medium-sized dog with yellow and white fur and a rope around its neck, seeking refuge between two homes on González Claver Street.
The report identifies two individuals involved. The first, Alejandro Batista, allegedly began attacking the dog when it entered a home's porch. Subsequently, another man, Noel Santana, reportedly continued the brutal act.
"The dog ended up dead," Larrea stated in the video, describing the incident as one of the most challenging cases he has ever encountered in his advocacy work.
Community Efforts to Stop the Violence
What makes the story even more distressing is the fact that several neighbors attempted to intervene, offering to cover the costs for the dog's veterinary care.
"Neighbors tried everything to stop what was happening and offered solutions. They were willing to take the dog to a vet and even cover the expenses. There was an option to save the dog, but it was rejected at every turn," Larrea lamented.
The alleged attackers later claimed the dog was rabid, a justification BAC firmly rejected.
Legal and Community Action
"A rabies suspicion demands veterinary intervention and the appropriate health protocols by the Ministry of Public Health. It cannot automatically justify such violent actions against an animal," emphasized the activist.
BAC is urging witnesses, neighbors, and anyone with evidence—videos, photos, audio recordings, or security footage—to send them to the organization for documentation purposes.
"We can't bring that dog back, but we can ensure his death doesn't become just another forgotten story," the group concluded.
Ongoing Issues in Holguín and Beyond
This incident adds to a troubling pattern in the province. According to Larrea, Holguín ranks second among Cuban provinces for documented cases of animal abuse by BAC. In May, the organization reported a coachman recorded whipping a fallen horse in the street for over an hour.
At a national level, just two weeks earlier, BAC had reported another brutal case in Pinar del Río, where a young man was filmed provoking dogs to attack a cat.
Cuba's Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31, approved in 2021, mandates rest, proper nutrition, and load limitations for working animals. However, animal rights groups claim its enforcement is nearly nonexistent.
The Cuban legal framework does not classify animal abuse as a criminal offense. The law only imposes fines up to 4,000 pesos for individuals, which activists argue is insufficient. A documented case in Mayarí in May 2025 resulted in a mere 1,500 pesos fine for killing a cat.
In April 2025, animal protection groups demanded stricter enforcement of Decree-Law 31 amid recurring abuse incidents.
Animal Welfare and Legal Implications in Cuba
What actions are being taken to address animal cruelty in Cuba?
Animal rights organizations like BAC are actively working to document cases of animal abuse, raise awareness, and push for stricter enforcement of existing laws. They also urge the community to provide evidence of abuse to help build cases against perpetrators.
Why is animal abuse not considered a criminal offense in Cuba?
Cuban legislation, specifically the Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare, only includes administrative sanctions such as fines, which many activists argue are insufficient. There is ongoing advocacy for the legal system to classify animal abuse as a criminal offense to ensure stronger penalties.
How does BAC contribute to animal welfare in Cuba?
BAC is instrumental in documenting abuse cases, advocating for better legal protections, and educating the public about animal rights and welfare. Their efforts aim to create a more compassionate society and improve the treatment of animals across the country.