In Cuba, the number of abandoned pets has surged as migration increases, driven by deepening economic difficulties and skyrocketing costs. Animal rights activists have stepped up efforts to rescue these pets, exemplified by success stories like Balto, Pepa, and Mami, who found new homes. However, numerous others continue to roam the streets. The lack of official statistics makes it difficult to assess the true extent of the problem, but activists report a significant rise in abandoned cats and dogs over the last two years.
Elizabeth Meade, founder of Adoptions for Love in Havana, says they receive frequent requests from owners who are forced to leave their pets behind as they migrate suddenly. While the shelter has successfully rehomed 300 pets in the past year, many were returned once their new owners also ended up migrating. For these animals, "it's not always a happy ending," Meade states. Economic challenges also make transporting pets difficult; taking a pet to Miami costs as much as $2,500, including quarantine fees.
Despite the passage of an animal welfare law in 2021 aimed at combating cruelty, activists like dog trainer Leandro Valdés argue the measures are not sufficient. The internet and social media have facilitated coordinated action by activists, helping mitigate the crisis. Valdés notes the deepening economic crisis has exacerbated the issue, as he says it has caused a "loss of values." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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