15 images Created 20 Aug 2016
Saving the dogs of Havana
A two story home on a residential Central Habana street is headquarters to Aniplant, Cuba’s only legally permitted animal welfare organization. As part of my effort to document dog rescue groups throughout the world, on my last trip to Cuba I arranged to meet Nora García, the president of the organization.
“We are the only animal welfare organization recognized by the Cuban government,” García told me. “We have three veterinarians that hold clinic hours three times a week,” she said. “We also have two vet technicians and two animal caretakers.”
Aniplant cites their mission as seeking to eliminate the suffering of Cuban animals by utilizing mass sterilization campaigns, public education and animal rescue.They also recognize that sterilization is the most important factor in reducing the stray animal population, but the economic conditions in Cuba make this a hardship for many people.
The organization offers free physical exams, and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for just $2 CUC ($2 dollars U.S.). If a person cannot afford even the $2 fee, the clinic will perform the surgery for free. “People pay what they can,” García said.
As we entered the Aniplant clinic we were met by a small pack of dogs, all with their tails wagging and eager for attention. “We have 18 dogs that currently live here,” García explained. “Although two of the dogs have been adopted, one will be going to Italy and another one to California.”
The dogs roam free throughout the facility, which is actually a large home renovated to include a reception area, examination room, operating room with anesthesia machine, storage area, and kitchen. As I followed Garcia through the clinic, I saw dogs everywhere - in the reception area, in the office, sitting a kitchen counter, and lounging in the sun on the upstairs patio.
Although originally founded to protect the welfare of plants as well as animals, Aniplant currently functions only as an animal welfare organization. Cuba has other organizations for the protection of plant life, but Aniplant is the only one dedicated to animal welfare. The fact that the Cuban government strictly regulates all activity on the island highlights the significance of Aniplant’s government recognition.
Aniplant receives no financial assistance from the government however, and thus relies on donations. They are hopeful the recent increase in tourism to the island will bring more visitors, potential adopters, and donations.
“We are the only animal welfare organization recognized by the Cuban government,” García told me. “We have three veterinarians that hold clinic hours three times a week,” she said. “We also have two vet technicians and two animal caretakers.”
Aniplant cites their mission as seeking to eliminate the suffering of Cuban animals by utilizing mass sterilization campaigns, public education and animal rescue.They also recognize that sterilization is the most important factor in reducing the stray animal population, but the economic conditions in Cuba make this a hardship for many people.
The organization offers free physical exams, and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for just $2 CUC ($2 dollars U.S.). If a person cannot afford even the $2 fee, the clinic will perform the surgery for free. “People pay what they can,” García said.
As we entered the Aniplant clinic we were met by a small pack of dogs, all with their tails wagging and eager for attention. “We have 18 dogs that currently live here,” García explained. “Although two of the dogs have been adopted, one will be going to Italy and another one to California.”
The dogs roam free throughout the facility, which is actually a large home renovated to include a reception area, examination room, operating room with anesthesia machine, storage area, and kitchen. As I followed Garcia through the clinic, I saw dogs everywhere - in the reception area, in the office, sitting a kitchen counter, and lounging in the sun on the upstairs patio.
Although originally founded to protect the welfare of plants as well as animals, Aniplant currently functions only as an animal welfare organization. Cuba has other organizations for the protection of plant life, but Aniplant is the only one dedicated to animal welfare. The fact that the Cuban government strictly regulates all activity on the island highlights the significance of Aniplant’s government recognition.
Aniplant receives no financial assistance from the government however, and thus relies on donations. They are hopeful the recent increase in tourism to the island will bring more visitors, potential adopters, and donations.
