In an effort to enhance rural security and address the illegal slaughter and theft of cattle, the municipality of Camagüey has mobilized over 330 horseback riders organized into 54 mounted brigades. This initiative was confirmed on Thursday by Radio Cadena Agramonte.
These brigades form part of 25 rapid response units, each representing a different cooperative, including seven Agricultural Production Cooperatives and 18 Credit and Services Cooperatives.
Additionally, 35 auxiliaries from the National Revolutionary Police, sanctioned by the Ministry of the Interior, have joined these rural patrols.
According to official information, the surveillance efforts are expected to extend further to cover the 10 basic enterprise units and nine basic cooperative production units in the area.
Growing Concerns Over Cattle Theft
The mobilization comes amid rising concerns about criminal activities in the province, highlighting the significant impact of cattle theft and illegal slaughter on the entities responsible for safeguarding the livestock industry.
An analysis conducted by the municipal government in August revealed that during the first half of 2026, over 600 violations were recorded in the capital of Camagüey, with 40% constituting serious offenses such as burglary, crimes against life, and various forms of cattle theft.
Public reaction to these statistics was largely critical. "Only 600 crimes in 180 days? I'm certain there's either an error in the reported figures or a significant underreporting of criminal activities," commented one resident on the state media platform.
Community Response and Challenges
Another respondent pointed to specific issues: "Firstly, constant darkness due to circuits left without electricity all night; secondly, the absence of patrolling services."
Many community members also questioned why the burden of surveillance falls on workers and farmers themselves. "I don't believe that worker patrols effectively address the crime issue; there have been instances of deaths among guards in various parts of Cuba. Combating crime should be the responsibility of law enforcement," noted another citizen.
Historical Context and National Impact
The problem is deeply rooted in a province historically known as the nation's primary dairy region. In 2024, Camagüey reported nearly 58,963 animal deaths and 7,143 clandestine slaughters, while milk production plummeted to 41.1 million liters, less than half of the 92 million achieved in 2019.
On a national level, Cuba lost more than 900,000 head of cattle since 2019, as revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture during a presentation to the National Assembly in July 2025.
In that same forum, it was reported that theft and illegal slaughter impacted over 27,000 animals in 2024.
The strategy of using horseback patrols is not new; similar measures have been adopted in other provinces like Artemisa, Sancti Spíritus, and Santiago de Cuba due to perceived police inaction in rural areas.
However, what sets Camagüey apart is the scale and formalization of its approach, with 25 detachments, 54 brigades, and 35 police auxiliaries already active.
A Cuban farmer encapsulated the paradox faced by those who raise livestock back in April: "If someone steals your cow, you have to pay the state," as the animals belong to government entities, not the producers who care for them.
Understanding Camagüey's Cattle Theft Crisis
Why has Camagüey deployed mounted patrols?
Camagüey has deployed mounted patrols to enhance rural security and combat the rising issue of cattle theft and illegal slaughter, which has significantly impacted the local livestock industry.
What challenges does Camagüey face regarding cattle theft?
Camagüey faces challenges such as inadequate nighttime lighting, insufficient police patrols, and the responsibility of surveillance falling on workers and farmers, all contributing to the difficulty in combating cattle theft.
How has cattle theft affected Camagüey's economy?
Cattle theft has severely impacted Camagüey's economy, historically a major dairy region, leading to a significant drop in milk production and numerous animal deaths and illegal slaughters.