Cuba passes animal welfare law, first victory for civil society
Horses are often used for transport until their last breath.
The decree-law provides for fines of between 500 and 4,000 pesos (18 to 140 euros) in the event of mistreatment.
LightRocket via Getty Images - Roberto Machado Noa
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
Cuba has just adopted a decree-law on animal welfare claimed by an emerging civil society.
Animal rights activists have welcomed the publication of this first law for the protection of animals.
For the first time in Cuba, citizen mobilization is therefore law.
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With our correspondent in Havana,
Domitille Piron
This is a first on several levels: Cuba was behind on the protection of animals, they are now considered as sentient beings and must be "
taken care of, cared for and protected
" and fines are foreseen in the event. of abuse.
But it is above all an important step for the Cuban civil society which succeeds there in making change for the first time the policy of the country governed by the only Communist party for more than 50 years.
Citizen mobilization and massive demands on social networks made it possible to put pressure on the adoption of this policy.
And on social networks precisely, animalists welcomed the publication of the decree on animal welfare, but which does not go far enough according to some.
Indeed, if dogfighting has been banned, cockfighting, a Cuban tradition since colonial times, remains authorized within the framework of clubs.
But for animal rights activists, this is still outright cruelty.
As for religious sacrifices, it is impossible to prohibit them in Cuba, as the Afro-Cuban religions practicing these sacrificial ceremonies are so widespread.
The decree-law simply specifies that they must be carried out "
with compassion and speed
".
The decree-law will enter into force in 90 days.
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To read also: Defense of animals in Cuba: when a citizen mobilization becomes law
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Cuba
Animal health
Environment
Agriculture and Fishing