Mallorca government investigates poultry farm following animal welfare complaints

The Balearic government has dispatched inspectors to an intensive poultry farm in Mirabò, Manacor, following formal complaints filed by animal welfare organizations ARDE and Satya Animal. The organizations reported severe hygiene issues and animal welfare violations involving approximately 40,000 chickens managed by Avícola Son Perot (also referred to as Avícola Ballester).

Evidence submitted to the Prosecutor's Office includes footage and documentation of sick chickens, carcasses, infestations of cockroaches and flies, and eggs contaminated with mites. The report also describes scenes of cannibalism among the birds and physical injuries such as loss of plumage and open wounds. A veterinary expert report suggests these conditions indicate continuous exposure to pathogens rather than isolated incidents.

Agriculture Minister Joan Simonet stated that the government was unaware of the situation until receiving images and an email from the activists. While the farm's two warehouses were reportedly emptied recently to move animals to slaughterhouses in Murcia, the government is investigating whether the documented conditions warrant administrative proceedings. Concerns regarding food safety have been raised due to the presence of mites, which can act as reservoirs for Salmonella.