Over 1000 roaming cattle destroy North Macedonia town

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 18:13 · Archive

A herd of more than 1000 roaming cattle is destroying property in Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia.

Over 1000 roaming cattle have become a serious problem for residents of Kriva Palanka, a farming town of about 19,000 people in northeastern North Macedonia. The herd, owned by three people, has grown from 400 animals four years ago and descends from surrounding hills mostly at night to eat crops and destroy gardens and property. Residents say the wandering cattle pose a threat to the town's water supply and to drivers on the road leading to Bulgaria.

Mayor Sashko Mitovski blamed bureaucratic failures for the crisis. A 2024 Food and Veterinary Agency order to seize the herd was not enforced, and when authorities took legal action against one owner, bureaucratic failures allowed the case to be derailed and the owner to walk free. Mitovski said residents have staged protests demanding action and he is calling on Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski's government to declare a 30-day state of emergency in the municipality.

Pensioner Lazo Stamenkovski, 71, said the cattle have destroyed more than 150 trees in his orchard. He reported that they constantly destroy produce in his garden, wander onto the highway and endanger traffic safety. Mitovski told The Associated Press that none of the responsible institutions had shown the willingness, commitment or capacity to resolve the problem.

How it is being reported

• Roaming cows wreak havoc in north Macedonia townResidents of Kriva Palanka in North Macedonia are dealing with a herd of over 1000 roaming cattle that are destroying property and threatening their livelihood.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 17:50
• Roaming cows wreak havoc in north Macedonia townResidents of Kriva Palanka in North Macedonia are dealing with a herd of over 1000 roaming cattle that are destroying property and threatening their livelihood.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 17:50

In this story: Kriva Palanka · North Macedonia · Sashko Mitovski · Hristijan Mickoski · Lazo Stamenkovski · Food and Veterinary Agency

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