Manacor residents protest proposed 80,000-chicken farm

Residents and animal rights groups in Manacor formed a human chain to protest the construction of a large-scale poultry farm in Son Brau. The project, promoted by Avícola Son Perot, aims to house 80,000 chickens and is currently undergoing environmental assessment.

Opponents, organized under the Plataforma No Macrogranjas, cite significant environmental and social concerns. Key issues include the potential contamination of aquifers by nitrates, the proximity of the site to a protected Natura 2000 area, and the risk of pests, noise, and odors affecting nearby homes and agrotourism businesses. Local representatives have noted that Mallorca faces limited water resources, questioning the sustainability of such an operation.

In addition to the protest, animal welfare organizations ARDE and Satya Animal have filed complaints with the Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the alleged poor conditions of birds at two other farms owned by the same company. While residents have gathered 50,000 signatures against the project, the company maintains it is the victim of an orchestrated harassment campaign.