The outrage over a dog left behind during evacuations in Bayamo, located in Granma province, has ignited a debate that goes beyond animal welfare issues.
While the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC-Habana) rallies nationwide support to ensure the welfare of the abandoned animal, activist Manuel Viera stirred controversy by questioning the moral priorities of Cubans and their silence on political repression.
Viera's post sparked a divide in opinions. He expressed admiration for animal rights activists but criticized the intense national reaction over the Bayamo dog while remaining indifferent to political prisoners and the repression by the Cuban regime.
"I don't understand why the more than a thousand two-legged 'puppies' sleeping behind bars don't go viral," Viera wrote, referring to imprisoned dissidents.
In a follow-up post, he acknowledged that animal advocates unite and act fearlessly, whereas those fighting for human rights in Cuba "fail to do so with the same strength."
His reflection prompted a heated response from BAC-Habana, urging him not to divide the movement: "Manuel, enough. You are not the center of our attention. Show some respect."
Despite the backlash, Viera stood by his stance: "One does not need to dehumanize oneself or prioritize animals over humans to love and protect them."
The debate remains ongoing. BAC-Habana continues its search for the Bayamo dog, while in Cuba, the discussion around empathy, fear, and the value of life exposes the deeper fractures within a society plagued by censorship and despair.
Debate on Animal Rights and Political Silence in Cuba
Why did Manuel Viera's comments cause controversy?
Manuel Viera's comments caused controversy because he criticized the strong national reaction to an abandoned dog while pointing out the lack of similar outrage for political prisoners in Cuba, challenging the moral priorities of the Cuban people.
How did BAC-Habana respond to Viera's remarks?
BAC-Habana responded to Viera's remarks by urging him not to divide the movement and reminding him that he is not the focus of their efforts, emphasizing respect for their cause.
What does the ongoing debate reveal about Cuban society?
The ongoing debate reveals underlying issues in Cuban society, such as the struggle with empathy, fear, and the value of life, highlighting the fractures caused by censorship and widespread despair.