Animal rights advocates in Cuba are raising alarms over a disturbing case of animal cruelty in Cienfuegos, claiming it has been ongoing without significant intervention from local authorities. Activist Yenney Caballero took to Facebook to expose the alleged perpetrator, Yordenis Miguel Torre, who resides in the La Juanita neighborhood. Caballero accuses Torre of repeatedly engaging in acts of sexual abuse, mistreatment, and murder of animals in a room behind his home.
This marks the second formal complaint filed through official channels, but Caballero insists that the response has been insufficient. She highlighted the fear Torre instills in neighbors and his family, reportedly carrying a machete.
"The situation is like a horror movie for surrounding residents. The cries of animals in pain and the stench of decomposing bodies are overwhelming," wrote Caballero, demanding justice and suggesting Torre be evaluated for possible mental health issues.
Community's Call for Justice
The case has reignited demands from Cuban animal rights activists for stronger legal protections and institutional action against such incidents. "We will not tolerate more deaths of living beings at the hands of this murderer," declared Caballero.
Rosa Martínez, another concerned individual, updated the public via Facebook, warning that Torre is a threat not only to animals but also to the community. Martínez claims neighbors and animal advocates are monitoring his actions and are holding his family accountable for their silence since 2022.
Martínez alleges that Torre is violent, armed, and responsible for repeated abuse and neglect of animals, particularly females, who are kidnapped, mistreated, and deprived of food and care. The presence of foul odors and scavenger birds near his home underscores the severity of the situation.
Authorities Criticized for Inaction
In recent updates, Martínez reported seeing Torre leaving with a backpack believed to contain an animal, drawing further criticism for the authorities' inaction. She warned that the situation could escalate to human targets, stating, "Today it was a puppy; tomorrow it could be a child or a young woman."
Animal cruelty cases in Cuba not only occur frequently but also reveal a pattern of impunity due to the lack of institutional response. This incident in Cienfuegos is just one of many violent episodes that have been highlighted without adequate action from authorities.
In a related matter, animal advocates in Havana have reported the illegal sale of an injured black vulture on social media, with no legal repercussions so far. Another shocking incident involved a dog found brutally beaten in a Cerro neighborhood dumpster, with activists sharing its image to raise awareness about the severity of the abuse.
An organization that publicized these incidents emphasized the absence of legal protection and institutional gaps in addressing such violent acts. Additionally, a rescued owl died after being put up for sale by an individual, despite volunteers' efforts to save it from its captors' harm.
Animal Cruelty in Cuba: A Growing Concern
What actions are activists demanding from authorities?
Activists are demanding stronger legal protections and decisive institutional action against animal cruelty in Cuba, particularly in response to ongoing cases like the one in Cienfuegos.
Who is the alleged perpetrator in the Cienfuegos case?
The alleged perpetrator is Yordenis Miguel Torre, accused of committing acts of sexual abuse, mistreatment, and murder of animals in Cienfuegos.
How are community members responding to the situation?
Community members, along with activists, are closely monitoring the accused's actions and calling for accountability from both the authorities and the accused's family.
What other animal cruelty incidents have been reported in Cuba?
Other incidents include the illegal sale of an injured vulture in Havana and a dog found brutally beaten in a dumpster, highlighting a pattern of cruelty and lack of legal action.