Animal Welfare Group Probes Complaints Against Havana Veterinary Clinic

The organization Animal Welfare Cuba (BAC-Habana) has launched an independent investigation following a surge of negative reports regarding the treatment of animals at Mascolive, a private veterinary clinic located in Havana. In a statement shared on social media, BAC emphasized that this is not an immediate public denunciation but rather the initiation of a thorough information-gathering process, incorporating both positive and negative feedback, which will culminate in a formal report.

“This is no longer about an isolated incident or a minor error that any veterinarian could make. We have received dozens of comments, testimonies, and negative experiences,” the organization stated. BAC stressed that their sole focus is on the welfare of animals and that they are prepared to “face whatever may come” should the evidence demand it.

They clarified that their intention is not to target individuals or public figures but to address the growing volume of citizen concerns they have received in recent weeks. “Our association is not here to win anyone’s approval. Not doctors, not humans, not public figures. Our unwavering priority is the animals,” they reiterated.

BAC plans to deliver the report directly to the clinic's management, maintaining a respectful yet firm stance. Should the report be disregarded or if the organization encounters evasive or dismissive responses, they will pursue alternative actions. “We do not threaten; we act. This time, we will not turn a deaf ear. Enough of silencing what so many are shouting,” the statement concluded.

Officially recognized as a small and medium-sized enterprise by the Cuban regime, the Mascolive clinic has yet to issue any public comments on social media. Meanwhile, BAC has encouraged citizens to privately share their experiences and accounts as part of the documentation process.

In Cuba, where public veterinary services are limited and often inadequate, private clinics have become a common alternative but also face criticism for high prices, questionable diagnoses, and dubious treatment practices. The ethical oversight conducted by independent organizations like BAC-Habana is therefore crucial in a country where animal rights lack solid protection mechanisms and effective supervision.

Following BAC-Habana’s announcement of an independent investigation into the Mascolive clinic, numerous users have begun sharing personal experiences that highlight patterns of negligence, questionable diagnoses, excessive charges, and an apparent lack of staff preparation. For instance, Dayita Escobar claims she lost her healthy six-month-old puppy due to the clinic staff's “ignorance,” while Karen Rodríguez reported spending thousands of pesos only to lose her dog after unsuccessful treatment.

“They charge thousands for unnecessary treatments, and when a technician tries to correct them, they are fired,” denounced Enmanuel Rodríguez. Omar Negrón stated that his dog nearly died from a misdiagnosis until he switched veterinarians, resulting in a recovery in just three days. Others, like Yarelin Ramos and Rache Rache, accuse Mascolive of exploiting owners' emotions by prescribing "unnecessary" tests and medications, leaving animals to die without proper care.

While not all accounts can be immediately verified, the volume, consistency, and emotional weight of these testimonies underscore the urgent need for an ethical and technical review of this clinic’s operations.