Reward of Millions Offered for Stolen Horses in Matanzas: "Please Don't Harm Them"

In the town of Colón, Matanzas, a series of horse thefts has led to a frantic plea from the owners, who are offering a reward of two million to ensure the safe return of their beloved animals. The owners are begging those who have the horses not to cause them any harm.

This distress signal was shared on Monday through the Facebook page Rodeo Cubano. The post revealed that the horses were taken Sunday night and called upon farmers, cowboys, transport workers, and local residents to help in the search effort.

"PLEASE HELP US FIND THEM! DON'T HARM THEM!" the post urged, accompanied by images of the missing horses.

According to the announcement, these animals are cherished by young workers who have invested significant time and resources in their care. The owners are deeply concerned that the horses might be sold or slaughtered before they can be retrieved.

"Behind each of these horses are dedicated young workers who strive every day, sacrificing to care for them lovingly, living for their animals," stated Rodeo Cubano.

The post detailed the emotional turmoil faced by the victims, for whom the horses are much more than mere possessions. "These young workers are now enduring the agony of not knowing where their work companions are," it added.

To facilitate the recovery, a reward of two million has been promised, though the currency was not specified in the announcement.

Community Efforts to Recover Stolen Horses

The post also appeals to anyone who may have seen the animals or knows of someone attempting to sell them. The plea is especially directed at those involved with livestock and horses, as they might recognize the animals from the shared photos or receive tips about their whereabouts.

"If you've seen them, if someone is offering them, or if you know where they might be, please don't turn a blind eye," the owners implored.

The primary worry for these owners is that the horses might be illegally slaughtered, a fear that has prompted similar calls in other animal theft cases throughout Cuba.

The notice also urged the public not to buy animals from dubious origins or to assist those who profit from such thefts.

Previous Incidents Highlight Ongoing Problem

It's not the first time Colón has been at the center of such a distressing situation. Last August, two horses trained for acrobatic shows were stolen, sparking a community-wide search.

Those animals belonged to two young girls, Mayumi and Jennifer, who used them in performances and had formed strong bonds with them. Fortunately, the stolen horses were recovered unharmed and returned to their owners.

Similar thefts have been reported in other Cuban provinces. In September, horse owners in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, offered rewards for their missing animals, pleading for their safe return. In another case, the theft of four horses in Cienfuegos prompted owners to seek public assistance before any harm could come to them.

Earlier this year in Colón, a shocking incident saw seven masked men raid an agricultural cooperative, making off with nine cattle after firing shots to scare off witnesses. Authorities later arrested four suspects in connection with the theft, with the cattle reportedly slaughtered in a nearby cane field.

This persistent threat has left many livestock owners in fear. In April 2025, a 71-year-old farmer shared his decision to sell his cattle after suffering repeated thefts and illegal slaughtering.