1.6K Views 2 years ago

There’s a Growing Crisis of Abandoned Animal Companions in Cuba

Over the past two years, animal shelters and activists in Cuba have seen a sharp rise in the number of pets being left behind by their humans as they migrate in record numbers. Although there are no official figures, animal welfare groups point to a growing crisis of abandoned cats and dogs across the island.

Elizabeth Meade, founder of Adoptions for Love, an animal shelter in Havana, explained the situation: “We’d receive a phone call from someone asking us to care for their pets, because they’re suddenly migrating and don’t know what to do with them.” While her shelter has rehomed around 300 rescued pets over the past year, many of them were later abandoned again when their new owners decided to leave the island, too. According to Meade, “it’s not always a happy ending” for these animals.

The number of Cubans migrating has surged in recent years. From October 2021 to September 2024, U.S. authorities recorded over 600,000 encounters with Cuban migrants, a significant figure for a population of around 10 million. Many others choose to migrate to Spain or other countries in Latin America. For those leaving Cuba, the cost of taking pets along is often unaffordable. Transporting a pet from Havana to Miami through a specialized service can reach $1,200, and a newly imposed quarantine requirement adds another $1,300.

For those who stay behind, life on the island has become increasingly difficult. Cuba’s gross domestic product fell by 2% in 2023, leading to severe inflation, as well as food and fuel shortages. Owning and caring for a pet has become a financial burden for many, with the average monthly salary in the state sector at just $21. In contrast, a 20-kilogram bag of imported dog food costs as much as $70, while a visit to the vet can be $10 — almost half a month’s income for some.

Despite these challenges, the rise in animal abandonment has sparked greater activism on the island. The movement gained momentum in 2018 when the internet became more widely available, allowing activists to organize through social media. In 2021, a significant victory was achieved when the Cuban government passed an animal welfare law aimed at preventing cruelty and promoting animal protection. The law imposes penalties for animal abuse, including dogfighting and the ritualistic sacrifice of animals, but activists argue that these measures are not sufficient to address the current crisis.

Leandro Valdés, a dog trainer and Animal rights advocate, emphasizes the gravity of the situation. “Abandonment is the worst form of animal abuse,” Valdés said. He is the proud owner of Koffee, a rescued dog that has gained local fame for riding around Havana with Valdés on his motorcycle, wearing goggles and a seatbelt. According to him, the increase in migration has exacerbated the issue of abandoned pets, which he attributes to a “loss of values” as Cuba’s economic situation worsens.

While activists and shelters continue to work hard to care for abandoned animals, they face an uphill battle against the growing pressures of migration and economic hardship. The fate of many pets remains uncertain as their humans leave Cuba, and the long-term solution to this crisis is still unclear.

Please sign this petition to Help Ensure People in Mental Health Crises Receive Help to Prevent Animal Abuse!

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content.Click here to Support Us