A horse collapsed on a bustling road near Bernardo Arias Street in Sancti Spíritus this Monday, highlighting yet another instance of animal overexploitation. Local activists urgently called for assistance through social media platforms.
The ARCA Sancti Spíritus Foundation became aware of the situation when a follower reached out for help via WhatsApp.
Due to their involvement with other active cases at clinics, the foundation's volunteers were unable to visit the scene. Instead, they provided remote guidance with the help of a veterinarian specializing in large animals.
Unfortunately, the horse's owner chose not to follow the given instructions.
"A follower reached out to us via WhatsApp for help. We offered several recommendations based on a large animal veterinarian's advice, but the owner ignored them," the activists explained.
Those on the scene took matters into their own hands by administering medication to the horse and drawing blood without professional supervision.
The situation worsened when the horse attempted to stand. "While trying to get up, the horse hit its head and even split its mouth open. They simply did not follow the instructions," they described.
No veterinarian was able to reach the location to provide a formal diagnosis.
Animal advocates suggest heatstroke as the most likely cause: "Considering the scorching temperatures and the heavy loads they carry under the sun, heatstroke seems the most logical explanation."
The organization issued a desperate plea: "If any veterinarian reads this and can get to the site, it would be of great help. Otherwise, the horse might not survive."
Activists expressed their frustration at being unable to intervene directly.
"It's heartbreaking to stand by helplessly because ultimately the horse belongs to its owner and the State," they noted, announcing their intention to report the case to the Agriculture delegation.
Sancti Spíritus has a troubling history of animal cruelty. In September 2024, local activists fought to save a horse injured with machete wounds, celebrating its recovery just two days later.
On June 29, 2025, more incidents of horses collapsing on Céspedes Street highlighted the ongoing lack of protection for animals in the province.
In March 2022, an activist reported a man for whipping a horse at least 13 times in the same city.
That same year, a cart horse in Mayabeque collapsed, and its owner beat it with a whip in front of witnesses.
Despite Cuba's Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31/2021, activists and organizations criticize its ineffectiveness: the penalties are purely administrative, with fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 CUP for individuals, insufficient to deter ongoing abuse.
"I want to clarify that I'm not sure if the Agriculture delegation has been informed, but we will do so and sincerely hope the animal recovers. We've done what we could," concluded the activists.
Understanding Animal Welfare Issues in Sancti Spíritus
What happened to the horse in Sancti Spíritus?
A horse collapsed on a busy road due to suspected heatstroke, compounded by the owner's failure to follow veterinary advice.
How does the Animal Welfare Decree-Law No. 31/2021 affect animal protection in Cuba?
The law imposes only administrative fines, which activists argue are too low to effectively prevent abuse.