Disgusting animal cruelty in Havana (Cuba): Several “cowboys” are standing in an arena, one is carrying a cloth bag, the others are holding ropes.
Then the cat is let out of the proverbial sack – and the heartless hunt begins: while the animal is visibly panicking and jumping through the arena, the animal tormentors try to lasso the cat around its neck.
After a short time someone makes it: the little four-legged friend is dangling in the air, the “cowboy” is cheering, surrounded by the other men.
The gruesome incident happened on Friday at the Fiagrop 2022 International Agricultural and Food Fair in the Cuban capital. The bullies are members of the Cuban national rodeo team.
In pictures and videos shared on social networks, it can be seen how the rodeo riders not only catch and hang the cat, but also torture it with punches and kicks – much to the displeasure of the audience that the animal cruelty was accompanied by whistles and boos -Calls acknowledged.
In response to the incident, the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture took action. An official statement clarifies that the men will be punished. At the fair there was a “regrettable act of animal cruelty in front of the eyes of the spectators present”. Therefore, there will be “administrative and disciplinary sanctions” against those responsible.
Actually unbelievable: If the incident had happened last year, there would be no basis for punishing the animal abusers.
But: Since July 10, 2021, a new animal welfare law has been in force in Cuba. This law obliges all Cuban citizens to protect “every mammal, bird, bee, reptile, fish, mollusc, crustacean and amphibian” as a living being.
Obvious exceptions: bullfighting and rodeo. Both “sports” were also demonstrated at the fair – but much to the delight of the spectators and without much outcry.