Kriva Palanka Mayor Requests 30-Day State of Crisis Over 1,000 Roaming Cows

Mayor Saško Mitovski has requested that the government declare a 30-day state of crisis in Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia, to address a growing livestock crisis. More than 1,000 cows are currently roaming the streets, grazing in public parks, and moving between houses, sometimes during the night. The municipality lacks the resources and facilities required to manage the large herd of animals.

Escalating livestock crisis

The number of roaming cattle in the municipality has increased significantly over the last five years. Approximately 400 cows were roaming the area five years ago, but that number has risen to over 1,000 currently. The animals are causing widespread damage to agricultural crops, private property, and municipal property. Furthermore, the presence of the livestock poses significant traffic safety risks for residents and commuters.

The situation is steadily deteriorating and requires coordinated resources through a state of crisis, Saško Mitovski said. The municipality has struggled to contain the animals, which frequently move between residential houses and public spaces.

Background of the livestock issues

Many of the animals previously belonged to a single family. Members of that family were detained last year for obstructing an attempt by the Food and Veterinary Agency to confiscate the livestock. Following that confiscation, the animals were reportedly not placed in adequate shelters and continue to roam the municipality.

The impact on local residents has been severe. One resident reported losses totaling 15,000 euros, while another resident reportedly lost 20 tons of cabbage in a single instance, according to Mondo. To address these mounting issues, the municipality announced a unified register of reported damages on November 3, 2025. This register was created to facilitate a joint lawsuit by affected citizens against the responsible parties.

Municipal challenges and safety risks

The municipality of Kriva Palanka faces ongoing difficulties in managing the herd due to a lack of specialized facilities. The uncontrolled movement of the cattle through public parks and residential streets creates a continuous hazard for the local population. The municipality is currently seeking state intervention to provide the necessary coordination and resources to resolve the crisis and mitigate further damage to the region.

Glossary

• North Macedonia — A country where Aromanians are recognized as an ethnic minority. They are represented in Parliament and enjoy various ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious rights.
• Food and Veterinary Agency — An agency that has the authority to confiscate livestock. It is also known as the Heilsufrøðiliga Starvsstovan in the Faroe Islands.