North Macedonian town of Kriva Palanka seeks help over more than 1,000 free-roaming cows
The mayor of Kriva Palanka, a municipality in north-eastern North Macedonia, has asked the government to declare a 30-day state of crisis because more than 1,000 cattle are roaming freely. The number has grown from about 400 five years ago.
Saško Mitovski, the mayor of Kriva Palanka, a municipality in north-eastern North Macedonia, has asked the national government to declare a 30-day state of crisis over a large number of free-roaming cattle. He says the problem has steadily worsened in recent years. A temporary crisis status, he argues, would let local and national authorities coordinate resources and work towards a lasting solution.
Cattle in traffic and parks
Recent footage shows cows wandering through traffic, grazing in public parks and moving between houses, sometimes after dark. Local authorities say the animals have caused extensive damage to farmland and municipal property. Residents describe the situation as frightening and say the large animals appear unexpectedly around the town.
A growing herd
According to the mayor, the number of roaming cattle has risen from around 400 five years ago to more than 1,000 now. Many of the animals previously belonged to a single family. Its members were detained after allegedly obstructing an attempt by the Food and Veterinary Agency to confiscate the cattle. The animals were reportedly not placed in adequate shelters after the confiscation and have continued to roam across the municipality.
Lack of resources
Municipal officials say they do not have the resources or facilities needed to manage such a large herd. Mitovski hopes a temporary state of crisis would allow authorities to put daily measures in place and find a permanent solution.
