Residents of Céspedes in the province of Sancti Spíritus have taken to social media to report frequent horse falls on the newly paved streets. These incidents have been attributed to the recent roadwork in the area.
Yanalli González Domínguez, a member of the Facebook group "AQUÍ CON EL HÉROE EN SANCTI SPÍRITUS! HERMANOS DE LA CALLE!", shared a post this Sunday expressing her frustration and concern. "Animal abuse continues in Céspedes, near the roundabout. Horses slip and fall every day. I will keep reporting this issue, I will not give up! Do something," she urged, holding the government accountable for its lack of action.
González explained that these incidents began following the asphalt plant's intervention: "What have they done, for heaven's sake, what did they use to fix the roads?" she questioned in her post.
The complaints not only focus on the quality of the work but also point to the absence of oversight and institutional accountability after its completion. The post called upon animal rights activists and advocates to speak up: "Animal lovers, report this. Someone has to listen."
The resident lamented that, in addition to falls caused by the faulty pavement, many horses suffer abuse at the hands of their owners. In recent months, various incidents across Cuban provinces have highlighted the vulnerability of horses on public roads, revealing not only physical dangers to the animals but also a worrying lack of institutional protection.
In Camagüey, a collision between a motorbike and a horse-drawn cart left several people injured, highlighting the challenges of coexistence between motor vehicles and animal-drawn transport in urban areas. A similar situation occurred last month in Ciego de Ávila, where an accident between a motorcycle and a cart resulted in injuries to a horse. Recently, an attempted theft escalated into violence when a man tried to steal a horse on the street and attacked the owner after failing to do so.
This incident underscored the insecurity faced by owners while the animals remain unprotected against situations that extend beyond direct physical abuse. As early as last September, animal protection groups in Sancti Spíritus warned about gaps in the implementation of the Animal Welfare Law, despite celebrating some partial progress.
These recent episodes reinforce the perception that, although there is a legal framework, horses continue to be exposed to a hostile urban environment and the indifference of the responsible authorities.
Concerns About Horse Safety on Cuban Roads
What issues are caused by the new asphalt in Sancti Spíritus?
The new asphalt in Sancti Spíritus has led to horses slipping and falling frequently, raising concerns about the quality of the roadwork and lack of proper oversight.
How are animal rights activists responding to these incidents?
Animal rights activists are being urged to report these incidents and advocate for better protection and oversight to ensure the safety of horses on public roads.
What legal protections exist for animals in Cuba?
While there is an Animal Welfare Law in place in Cuba, gaps in its implementation and enforcement have left many animals vulnerable, particularly in urban environments.