Unfortunately, and much to our regret, we are seeing how dogs and even cats without a home swarm through our streets that some humans have seen fit to vote to get rid of them. As we pass through the central streets of Maceo, República, Independencia, Ignacio Agramonte, just to give these examples, we can witness this evil that has been afflicting us for some time.

And what about Workers’, Solidarity, and Maceo Square? That’s when we see these little animals sheltering themselves from the water, the sun and suffering from diseases and hunger at the mercy of what some pious being can think of to offer them. And what to think about the over-exploitation of horses that, when inserted into cars, solve many problems for the population?

Let us know and comply with the legislated

I wonder then, how is it possible that with Decree-Law No.31 on Animal Welfare, approved on February 26th of last year by the State Council of our country and put into effect on July 10th, actions like these take place, without the violators knowing that they can pay for their violations. I am sure that, in addition to not having an iota of love for animals, these people are unaware that within the legal provision to which I referred earlier, there is another Decree, number 38, which contains the regulations for its implementation, which stipulates the rules and behaviors to be followed by all those linked to the issue, and in which the violations and sanctions that can be applied are also listed, which include fines of up to high monetary sums.

Undoubtedly, we all must and are under the obligation, as citizens of this beautiful town, to protect our environment in every way and from all sides, as this will help the city continue to be an example for Cubans and, of course, we can continue to count on the high category given by UNESCO that part of its Historic Center was named Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Shall we join?

Precisely because of the sensitivity of this matter, one of the institutions belonging to the Office of the Historian, the birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay, has seen fit to design a Project called “The dream of a home”, which aims to promote the unity of the different groups that have been emerging in the city, interested in animal protection; as well as all the people interested in this humane action can count on a place where in addition to offering training, they can promote this work more effectively. As well as, finding a home for many of those creatures, that perhaps, you, that one, I or another person will pass by and we do not realize they need our help.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García