Cuban Animal Rights Activists Outraged by Release of Cienfuegos Animal Abuser

The Cuban community of animal advocates is currently grappling with deep shock and disbelief. After successfully persuading the regime to detain Yordenis Torres Mendoza, known for his horrific abuse and violation of animals in Cienfuegos, activists were stunned to learn of his release just hours following his arrest. Despite persistent reports shared on social media and with the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), activists claim to have solid evidence of the heinous acts committed against animals, yet they remain perplexed by how such crimes continue to go unpunished in Cuba, with neither justice for the victims nor real consequences for the perpetrators.

Outrage has surged across social media platforms and within animal protection organizations. The Havana chapter of Bienestar Animal Cuba expressed their disapproval through a direct Facebook post on Monday: "Absolutely unbelievable. We have just been informed that the Cienfuegos violator and murderer was freed. This is unacceptable. How long will this continue? How many more have to die?"

Animal Rights Groups Demand Justice

The collective Protección Animal SOS (PASOS) also voiced strong disapproval on Facebook, stating, "They just released the Cienfuegos violator and murderer. This is astounding. What are they waiting for? We will not stand idly by." Providing a powerful voice, renowned animal defender Yenney Caballero expressed her profound disappointment on Facebook, stating, "I am outraged. This is a blatant disrespect to the animal advocacy community. Less than three hours of detention and he was released, despite all the evidence of his atrocious acts."

Caballero highlighted that there are audiovisual proofs showing the accused attempting to avoid being filmed, aware of his actions: "It's clear how the animals he confines live. What more are they waiting for? For this psychopath to sexually abuse a minor or a woman?" Caballero questioned why, if the authorities claim mental health issues, the aggressor hasn't been moved to a specialized facility.

Urgent Need for Legal Reform

She emphasized that the accused is also a thief, asking, "How did he obtain that goat taken from his home? Animals cost money, and he doesn't work. It's obvious it was stolen." The activist added that neighbors could testify that the individual often carries knives and machetes: "If people like him aren’t removed from the streets, what safety do our animals, children, and citizens have?" Caballero urged the reform of the current Animal Welfare Decree-Law, demanding stricter penalties: "This is our cause. We ask for a little respect. Value what we do. Are we asking too much?"

In her statement, she warned that a group of activists is ready to mobilize to Cienfuegos if such incidents recur: "Yordenis will be watched. Solve this situation. This is the second time the case has been reported through the proper channels with evidence, and nothing is done. We demand justice. How many more animals will continue to die?"

Community Determined to Continue Fight

From the Facebook profile of Rosa Martínez, a person who has reported the case from the start, there was also concern about the accused's release and the danger he poses. "This guy was released way too easily. Now, any lost dog is there, and it's not a lie or slander. It is so, because it's illogical they haven't been found, given the power of social media," she stressed.

Martínez questioned the arguments of alleged mental illness used to justify the lack of action against the aggressor: "These individuals are not insane. The insane don’t know what they’re doing because they can’t reason. This is someone who will only worsen his behavior until he abducts a girl or boy. He had incidents of that many years ago when he was fondling minors."

The activist warned of the risk that, due to institutional inaction, someone might take justice into their own hands: "Until one day someone takes justice into their own hands and puts an end to this ugly story."

Despite the current impunity, she highlighted the animal advocacy community's strength: "Together, we are invincible. And just because he was released doesn't mean he’s free, because all eyes, mouths, and hands are ready to watch and rescue the unfortunate animals under his abuse." Martínez reminded everyone that the fight began three years ago and will not cease: "This story started three years ago, and we will continue fighting with the same vigor. Even if they don’t believe it, we have already achieved the success of everyone knowing, and they know the danger this person represents. Therefore, we must keep pushing so that one day, as the saying goes, 'the pitcher goes to the well until it breaks.'" She concluded with a renewed warning: "This man is a threat. Everyone analyzes it. Any lost dog, look for it there, and those nearby should prepare for greater evils. And remember, never stop fighting."