Target: Dr. Yobani Gutiérrez Ravelo, Director of Animal Health, Havana, Cuba
Goal: Upgrade penalties and seek criminal charges against the suspect who allegedly hurled and fatally beat a defenseless cat.
A beloved cat named Luna was allegedly hurled from a third-floor window and then beaten until she died. According to animal-advocacy reports, an investigation identified a single neighbor as the purported perpetrator, yet the consequence imposed was only a 1,500-peso fine and a written warning. No evidence implicated other neighbors, and only one eyewitness was interviewed, leaving critical questions unanswered.
Outrage quickly spread across social media, with users decrying the token fine as a “mockery” that fails to reflect the severity of the violence inflicted on a defenseless creature. Observers also noted that failure to appear as a witness seemingly went unpunished, and the cat’s guardian continues to pursue further legal avenues to hold all responsible parties to account.
Such a lenient response highlights a broader legal gap: Cuba’s current regulations treat many forms of animal cruelty as minor infractions rather than serious crimes. Stronger enforcement and statutory reform are essential to ensure that acts of extreme brutality receive meaningful punishment and deterrence. Sign below and demand that authorities revisit this case, impose harsher sanctions, and champion amendments that firmly classify animal cruelty as a criminal offense.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Gutiérrez Ravelo,
As reported by Animal Welfare Cuba, Luna the cat was thrown from a third-floor window and beaten to death by a neighbor. The individual reportedly responsible received only a modest administrative fine, despite the life-ending violence inflicted on this defenseless animal.
This response appears strikingly disproportionate to the cruelty described. Limited witness testimony was collected, and unanswered questions linger about additional parties who may have been involved or who failed to cooperate with the investigation. The current outcome sends a troubling signal that grave acts of abuse can be met with minimal consequences.
We respectfully urge your office to revisit this case and pursue criminal charges commensurate with the brutality allegedly committed. In addition, please advocate for urgent reforms that enshrine animal cruelty as a punishable crime within Cuba’s Penal Code, ensuring that future perpetrators face meaningful deterrence and justice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: lezumbalaberenjena
