Mallorca: 70 form human chain over 80,000-bird farm

Up to 80,000 birds could be kept at Son Brau in Manacor, Mallorca: around 70 neighbours form a human chain near the property on Sunday morning to oppose the poultry farm plan. The group Macrogranjas No organised the protest. The plan is still awaiting environmental approval.

Sílvia Llull, speaking for neighbours in Son Sureda, fears the farm could affect their water, air and health. She warns that nitrates could reach groundwater, and says smells and turbine noise are also a concern. The proposed site lies a few metres from a Natura 2000 protected area, she says, and near several businesses, mainly rural tourist accommodation.

The neighbours have submitted objections to the Balearic government. On Friday, animal welfare groups Arde and Satya Animal handed it 50,000 signatures collected across Spain, calling for the project to be stopped.

Complaints about the developer, Avícola Son Perot, also reached the public prosecutor’s office and the Balearic government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment this week. They concern alleged problems with animal welfare and food safety at the company’s other poultry farms. The prosecutor’s office has acknowledged receipt and must decide whether there are grounds to investigate. The department has told the groups it is considering possible penalties.

Avícola Son Perot calls the allegations a campaign of harassment by the groups. The neighbours say they will continue their protest.

Topics: Protests · Environment · Manacor · Palma · Campos · Llucmajor · Lloseta

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com