Animal Abuser and Murderer Arrested in Cienfuegos After Discovery of Pet Cemetery at Home

Authorities in Cienfuegos have apprehended a man accused of engaging in sexual abuse and the killing of animals, following the discovery of what activists and neighbors described as a "cemetery" in his home. The residence contained the remains of numerous dogs, cats, and other animals.

The suspect, identified as Yordenis Torres Mendoza, was taken into custody at his home located on Avenida 48, between 67 and 69, number 6718, in the La Juanita neighborhood. The arrest was reported on social media by activist Maikel Hernández, who initially brought attention to the case on Facebook.

Torres Mendoza was captured through the collaborative efforts of local citizens, activist Erasmo Alfonso de Armas, the sector chief, and officers from the National Revolutionary Police. They intercepted him on Avenida 5 de Septiembre, according to the post.

During the operation, three animals showing signs of abuse—two female dogs and a goat—were rescued. They were taken to the "Salud Animal Mila & Luna" shelter, where they will receive veterinary care and protection.

Community Outrage Over Animal "Cemetery"

The most shocking aspect, as Hernández noted, was the discovery of numerous animal remains buried at the suspect's home. This revelation has deeply disturbed both the animal rights community and local residents.

"The most horrifying find in his house was a real animal cemetery. Dozens of bodies of dogs, cats, and other innocent beings, all victims of sexual abuse followed by murder. It was a scene out of a nightmare," Hernández described.

Call for Justice and Institutional Action

This incident highlights the ongoing lack of action in Cuba regarding animal rights violations and the ineffective enforcement of the current Animal Welfare Decree-Law. Activists demand exemplary judicial measures against Torres Mendoza to prevent the case from going unpunished.

"We saved three lives today, but many others did not have the same fate," Hernández stated, urging the public to speak out against similar cases.

Fellow activist Yenney Caballero expressed her satisfaction on social media following the arrest. "Today we won this battle," she said, confirming the rescue of the three animals who "were to be the next victims," and thanked everyone involved in the rescue and transportation of the animals to the shelter.

Caballero also urged authorities to ensure the accused is permanently removed from the streets, lamenting that two dogs, one black and one white, had already perished in his hands.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Issues

In recent days, activists had been voicing concerns on social media about Torres Mendoza's extreme cruelty towards animals in Cienfuegos. Despite these warnings, effective action by authorities only came after his arrest.

Yenney Caballero, through her Facebook profile, identified the suspect as Yordenis Miguel Torres, who allegedly committed repeated acts of sexual abuse, mistreatment, and animal killings in a back room of his house.

Animal cruelty cases in Cuba are distressingly frequent and underscore a persistent impunity due to institutional inaction. The arrest in Cienfuegos is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of violence that has not been met with adequate official response.

In Havana, animal rights defenders have also reported the illegal sale of a wounded black vulture on social media, highlighting the ongoing neglect of animal welfare laws. Moreover, activists have circulated images of a dog brutally beaten and left in a garbage dump in the Cerro municipality, further exposing the harsh reality of animal abuse.