In the northeastern town of Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia, a peculiar crisis is unfolding: more than 1,000 cows are wandering the streets, causing damage and unsettling locals. Mayor Sashko Mitrovski has formally requested that the national government declare a 30-day state of crisis to address the situation, which he says has spiraled out of control.
The cows, which appear to be abandoned or poorly managed, have been seen grazing in parks, blocking roads, and damaging private property. Residents have reported trampled gardens, broken fences, and even close calls with traffic. The town, which sits near the Bulgarian border, is not accustomed to such bovine invasions, and the mayor's office has been inundated with complaints.
A crisis of stray livestock
Mitrovski told local media that the situation has become untenable. "We have over a thousand animals that are not being properly cared for," he said. "They are a danger to public safety and a burden on the community. We need urgent measures to round them up and ensure they are either returned to their owners or placed in shelters."
The mayor's request for a state of crisis would grant the municipality special powers to act quickly, including the ability to impound the animals and use municipal funds for their care. Without such a declaration, the town's hands are tied, as existing laws do not clearly address the issue of free-roaming cattle.
The problem is not unique to Kriva Palanka. Across the Balkans, rural depopulation and economic hardship have led to an increase in abandoned livestock. In neighboring Serbia and Bulgaria, similar incidents have been reported, though rarely on this scale. The situation highlights a broader challenge for the region: how to manage agricultural traditions in the face of modern pressures.
Local authorities have tried to identify the owners of the cows, but many appear to be unmarked. Some residents suspect that the animals come from nearby farms that have gone bankrupt, leaving the cattle to fend for themselves. Others believe that some owners are deliberately letting their herds roam to avoid the cost of feeding them.
Meanwhile, the town's residents are growing increasingly frustrated. "You can't walk your kids to school without stepping in cow dung," said one local mother, who asked not to be named. "And at night, they make noises that keep us awake. It's not a normal way to live."
The mayor has also reached out to the national government in Skopje, asking for financial and logistical support. He has proposed that the cows be gathered in a temporary enclosure on the outskirts of town, where they can be fed and cared for until a permanent solution is found. However, the cost of such an operation is estimated to be significant, and the town's budget is already stretched thin.
This is not the first time that stray animals have caused problems in the region. In recent years, wild boars and bears have wandered into villages, but cattle are a different matter. They are larger, more numerous, and often more docile, which makes them less dangerous but no less disruptive.
The situation in Kriva Palanka also raises questions about the broader state of rural North Macedonia. As young people leave for cities or abroad, many farms are left without caretakers. The country's agricultural sector has struggled to modernize, and the European Union has urged reforms as part of its accession process. The cow crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
For now, the town waits for a response from the government. If the state of crisis is declared, it will be the first time such a measure has been used for a livestock issue in the country. The mayor remains hopeful, but he warns that without swift action, the situation could worsen. "We need to act now," he said. "Before someone gets hurt."
