In Son Brau at Manacor on Sunday 25 October 2026, according to consistent media reports, around 70 to 100 people formed a human chain They called for a halt to a planned poultry farm which, according to the organisers, is intended to house up to 80,000 hens. The action was organised by the Macrogranjas No platform and residents’ groups.
The protest follows a series of steps taken by critics during the same week. The animal welfare organisations ARDE and Satya Animal said they handed over on 23 October 2026 50,000 signatures to the presidency of the Government of the Balearic Islands. The organisations had previously filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office on 19 and 20 October. In their submissions, they say they documented sick and dead animals as well as poor hygiene at facilities attributed to the operator group. The public prosecutor’s office confirmed receipt of the complaints and is now considering whether the allegations provide grounds to open an investigation.
The criticism is directed at the company Avícola Son Perot, which is said to be behind projects in the region. The company rejects the allegations. In statements, it says the published footage cannot be clearly linked to its own facilities and that it is the target of a deliberate campaign. The alleged failings have not been independently confirmed so far.
The Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural of the Balearic Islands has received reports and complaints, according to the authorities. It says permits for new livestock facilities are subject to environmental requirements, water and soil protection rules, and the suitability of agricultural land. Regional media have reported inspections at relevant facilities in the past. Whether the latest complaints will lead to penalties or new conditions remains unclear and depends on the Conselleria’s assessment of the documents and any decisions by the courts.
Residents’ representatives say they are concerned about odours, dust, possible nitrate pollution and additional lorry traffic. They refer to technical submissions made to the authorities. Supporters of intensive livestock farming argue, by contrast, that modern facilities can operate with emission-reduction measures and strict controls. No public assessment of the competing interests has yet taken place as part of the ongoing proceedings.
The dispute over Son Brau highlights the nationwide debate in Spain about large livestock facilities: in practice, the outcome is determined by administrative procedures – led in the Balearic Islands by the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural – and, where relevant, by the public prosecutor’s office and the courts, balancing economic interests, animal welfare and environmental requirements.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).