15.11.2026 19:30
More than 1,000 stray cows in North Macedonia descended as far as the city center and negatively affected life. The municipality took action because of the animals, which have caused major damage to agricultural land and endangered traffic safety. Kriva Palanka Mayor Saško Mitovski, stating that local resources were insufficient, requested that the government declare a 30-day state of crisis.
In the town of Kriva Palanka in northeastern North Macedonia, stray cattle have become one of the biggest problems for local residents. More than 1,000 cows roaming uncontrolled have damaged agricultural land and reached the city center. Animals roaming on roads have also created a danger for traffic safety. As the long-standing problem grew, the municipal administration was forced to ask the central government for help.
MAYOR CALLS FOR EMERGENCY
Kriva Palanka Mayor Saško Mitovski, at a press conference also attended by citizens whose property was damaged, announced that the problem exceeded the municipality's capabilities. Mitovski asked the government to declare a 30-day crisis situation so that stray animals could be brought under control.
In the report prepared by the Municipal Crisis Team, it was stated that an additional budget, logistical support, and special vehicles are needed to capture the animals and move them to safe areas.
ONE FARMER'S LOSS EXCEEDED 15,000 EUROS
The damage caused by stray animals to agricultural land has also left farmers in the region in a difficult economic situation. Speaking to local media MKD.mk, a farmer said that last year more than 20 tons of his cabbage were damaged because of the cows. The farmer stated that his own loss alone exceeded 15,000 euros. It was stated that the problem of uncontrolled livestock breeding, which has continued for years, negatively affects agricultural production in the region.
CITIZENS PREPARING TO FILE A CLASS ACTION
In order to determine the extent of the damage, the Kriva Palanka Municipality established a centralized damage registration system as of November 3. Through this system, citizens' financial losses have begun to be recorded. The collected information is intended to be used in the joint compensation lawsuit that affected residents plan to file. It is not yet known how the government will respond to the municipality's request for a 30-day crisis situation.