Francy San Miguel Pérez, who was at the center of a recent controversy involving the mistreatment of a small cat in Havana, publicly apologized on social media this Tuesday. She stated that she has paid a fine and confirmed the surrender of her animals to a protective association.
In her Facebook message, Francy San Miguel Pérez expressed her apologies, clarifying that her initial post was not intended to be harmful. She explained that it was a momentary lapse during which she failed to recognize the distress the cat was experiencing. She also acknowledged that her responses to critics were made in the "heat of the moment" and were inappropriate, but she is now taking steps to correct her mistakes.
She further explained that she would be handing over the animals to a protective association later in the day and provided a photo to ensure they were in good condition. Additionally, she mentioned that she had already paid the fine imposed by the authorities.
The incident sparked national outrage after a video surfaced showing a child abusing a cat with the aid of a dog while several adults stood by without intervening. The video, exposed by the protective organization BAC-Habana, depicted the child pulling the cat by the tail while the dog bit its neck. In the background, an adult chillingly commented, “the head is going to come off,” yet did nothing to stop the cruelty.
BAC-Habana held Francy San Miguel Pérez and Anaily Nani accountable for allowing the child's behavior. They demanded the immediate surrender of the animal and warned that they would pursue international legal action if a public retraction was not made.
Escalating Concern Over Animal Cruelty in Cuba
The scandal has reignited discussions about animal cruelty in Cuba, where, despite the 2021 enactment of Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare, penalties remain lenient or are ineffectively enforced. Protective groups argue that the persistence of animal cruelty is fueled by impunity and a lack of education on the importance of respecting life.
The apology and surrender of the animals by Francy San Miguel Pérez occurred amidst significant public pressure. Activists and animal welfare organizations are demanding tangible measures to curb violence against animals on the island.
The organization BAC-Habana, after sharing the public apology, expressed gratitude for the owner's decision to retract. “Thank you for correcting your actions. We will close the case with the agencies once all the animals are removed later today, and they will be under the complete care of the association. Our team has notified you via email about the receipt of the financial penalty we imposed. The transfer has been received, and we also accept your apologies. Animal cruelty will no longer go unpunished. Greetings and blessings to you and your family,” the group stated.
FAQs About Animal Cruelty and Legal Actions in Cuba
What sparked the national outrage regarding the cat mistreatment case?
The outrage was sparked by a video showing a child abusing a cat with the assistance of a dog while adults watched without intervening. The incident was made public by BAC-Habana.
What legal measures exist in Cuba to protect animal welfare?
Cuba has Decree-Law 31 on Animal Welfare, approved in 2021, but its enforcement is often criticized for being minimal and ineffective.
Who is responsible for the animal's mistreatment according to BAC-Habana?
BAC-Habana holds Francy San Miguel Pérez and Anaily Nani responsible for allowing the child's abusive conduct.