---
title: "North Macedonia Town Overrun by 1,000 Cows"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/north-macedonia-town-overrun-by-1000-cows"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/north-macedonia-town-overrun-by-1000-cows"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/north-macedonia-town-overrun-by-1000-cows.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/north-macedonia-town-overrun-by-1000-cows"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-11-13T16:45:54.184Z"
source_reported: "2026-11-13T16:20:49.000Z"
updated: "2026-11-13T21:15:43.103Z"
trust_score: 50
critic_score: 50
hype_score: 45
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-11-14T02:41:02.517Z"
---

# North Macedonia Town Overrun by 1,000 Cows

*Residents of Kriva Palanka face crop destruction and traffic hazards from a large, unmanaged cattle herd.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 50 of 100, higher is better. One full report and 18 digests provide details, with claims attributed to the mayor and residents.
- Craft 50 of 100, higher is better. The report is clear and holds together, but lacks quotes from affected parties or opposing views.
- Hype 45 of 100, lower is better. The headline uses 'wreak havoc' and 'frustrating farmers,' which is mildly sensational.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- A herd of over 1,000 cattle is causing significant damage in Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia.
- The cows are destroying crops, threatening the water supply, and creating traffic hazards.
- Mayor Sashko Mitovski has requested the government declare a 30-day state of emergency to resolve the issue.
- The problem has persisted for years due to what residents and the mayor describe as bureaucratic failures.

Residents of Kriva Palanka, a town in northeastern North Macedonia, are contending with a herd of more than 1,000 roaming cattle. The animals descend from surrounding hills, primarily at night, to consume gardens and crops. This ongoing issue has led to property destruction and poses risks to the town's water supply and road safety, particularly on the route to Bulgaria.

The situation has persisted for years, with many residents and Mayor Sashko Mitovski attributing the lack of resolution to bureaucratic failures. Mitovski has asked the national government to declare a 30-day state of emergency to enable authorities to address the problem. He stated that institutions have lacked the willingness, commitment, capacity, or resources to solve the issue. The Food and Veterinary Agency had previously ordered the seizure of the herd from its three owners, but this order has not been enforced.

## Disagreement on herd value

Washington Top News reported that the value of the herd is estimated at between 360,000 and 570,000 euros. None of the other reports provided a specific monetary value for the herd.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated, centre-rated, or right-rated digests mention the specific value range of the herd (360,000 to 570,000 euros) that was reported by Washington Top News.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 35 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 37% (13)
- Centre: 43% (15)
- Right: 20% (7)

10 of 45 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-11-14T02:41:02.517Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 4 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-11-14T02:45:17.867Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports focused on the scale of the problem, with multiple outlets highlighting the herd size of over 1,000 cows. They also emphasised the destruction caused by the animals, including damage to crops, threats to the water supply, and traffic hazards. The bureaucratic failures preventing a resolution were also a common theme, with reports noting the mayor's request for a state of emergency and the perceived inaction of institutions. Some reports included details about individual residents' experiences, such as a pensioner whose trees were destroyed.

### Centre

- The centre-rated outlets reported that over 1,000 cows were roaming freely in Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia. These animals were destroying crops and gardens, and posed risks to the town's water supply and road safety. The problem had persisted for years.
- Reports indicated that residents and Mayor Sashko Mitovski blamed bureaucratic failures for the ongoing issue. Mitovski requested the government declare a 30-day state of emergency to address the problem.
- Washington Top News, the only full report, quoted residents who described damage to orchards and gardens. It also noted the mayor's comments on the Food and Veterinary Agency's failure to enforce a seizure order for the herd.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the immediate problems caused by the roaming cattle, including crop destruction, threats to the water supply, and traffic hazards. They also noted the large number of cows involved. The mayor's request for a state of emergency was mentioned as a response to the escalating situation. The issue of bureaucratic failures was also present in these reports.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 3
- high: 16
- unknown: 10
- veryHigh: 16

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [morningagclips.com](https://morningagclips.com/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of Roaming Cows Wreak Havoc in North Macedonian Town, Frustrating Farmers
- [Avaz.ba](https://avaz.ba/vijesti/region/1087806/vise-od-1-000-krava-na-ulicama-makedonskog-grada-trazi-se-krizno-stanje) — More than 1,000 Cows on the Streets of a Macedonian City: A State of Emergency Is Being Called For
- [vecernji.ba](https://vecernji.ba/vijesti/vise-od-1000-krava-preplavilo-grad-i-izazvalo-kaos-gradonacelnik-trazi-hitno-proglasenje-kriznog-stanja-2013409) — More than 1,000 Cows Flood the City and Cause Chaos: Mayor Calls for Immediate Declaration of a State of Emergency
- [ElNacional.cat](https://elnacional.cat/ca/confidencial/crisi-vaques-miler-animals-provoquen-caos-en-poble-nord-macedoni_1725485_102.html) — The Cow Crisis: a Thousand Animals Cause Chaos in a North Macedonian Village
- [Korrespondent.net](https://korrespondent.net/world/4928604-v-severnoi-makedonyy-horod-stradaet-ot-nashestvyia-korov) — In Northern Macedonia, the City Suffers From an Infestation of Cows
- [RPP](https://rpp.pe/mundo/europa/un-pueblo-normacedonio-pide-el-estado-de-crisis-por-la-invasion-de-mas-de-mil-vacas-noticia-1717681) — A Norman People Calls for a State of Crisis over the Invasion of More than a Thousand Cows
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/east-europe/11306854/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/sociedad/alcalde-pide-estado-crisis-invasion-mas-mil-vacas_202611136af75b92ea8d89799784b14b.html) — A Mayor Calls for a State of Crisis over the Invasion of More than a Thousand Cows
- [EL ESPAÑOL](https://elespanol.com/mundo/europa/20261113/pueblo-macedonio-pide-declarar-crisis-invadido-millar-vacas-control/1003744458144_0.html) — A Macedonian People Asks to Declare a State of Crisis After Being Invaded by More than a Thousand Cows Out of Control
- [WCCB Charlotte](https://wccbcharlotte.com/2026/11/13/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/11/13/north-macedonia-roaming-cows) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Dnevnik](https://dnevnik.si/novice/svet/vec-kot-1000-krav-na-ulicah-makedonskega-mesta-zupan-zahteva-razglasitev-kriznih-razmer-2840903) — More than 1,000 Cows on the Streets of a Macedonian City. Mayor Demands a Declaration of a State of Emergency
- [Європейська правда](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/11/13/7249964) — Mayor of a City in North Macedonia Asks to Declare a State of Crisis Due to an Influx of Cows
- [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/watch-north-macedonian-mayor-calls-for-crackdown-on-free-roaming-cattle) — North Macedonian Mayor Calls For Crackdown On Free-Roaming Cattle
- [L'INDIPENDENTE](https://lindipendente.online/2026/11/13/macedonia-del-nord-citta-assediata-da-mille-mucche-chiesto-lo-stato-di-crisi) — North Macedonia, a City Besieged by a Thousand Cows: the State of Crisis Called For
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/11/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers – WTOP News
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_e425bf39-b6c7-5575-bc5b-595d8abcff30.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/oddities/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/north-macedonia-cows-property-damage-cattle-r27734) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/food-cows-bulgaria-b3084688.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/north-macedonia-cows-property-damage-cattle-809e9b326030b57eb88f5aa00e44cba2) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/food-cows-bulgaria-b3084688.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_3bdfc59b-3e6b-5e33-b0e1-6c6211588298.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_ada48ec8-99b0-505b-af77-721633bd1f2a.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_7794bbc5-5aa4-5647-a562-20dcad8a735a.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_d9087e23-5354-5c13-b14d-a7d5e3461674.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [ABC FOX Montana](https://montanarightnow.com/national_news/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_1a417591-fee9-5bd7-ac8b-47d8c3c5387a.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Idaho Press](https://idahopress.com/news/world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_d86e5377-a8d9-5f36-8ba4-943d8d7bc78e.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Weatherford Democrat](https://weatherforddemocrat.com/texas/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_14a72f27-9408-5ea4-bf3c-b508e8fd0651.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Hometown News LP](https://hngnews.com/nation_world/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_8148edca-a454-5753-8879-a36156f46d6d.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Beloit Daily News](https://beloitdailynews.com/news/national-news/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_0fad3667-613d-5581-aa82-f1da7beec73f.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Lancaster Farming](https://lancasterfarming.com/news/associated_press/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_d2b91fca-4484-5f07-99cf-d7657b9943fe.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/hundreds-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-north-macedonian-town-138113077) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Terre Haute Tribune-Star](https://tribstar.com/region/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_aec61db2-7a57-5df9-911d-fb90b5db6d6f.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/nashestvie-telok-dovelo-gorod-v-severnoy-makedonii-do-rezhima-chs) — Inflammation of Chicks Led the City in Northern Macedonia to the C.S. Regime.
- [Sapo](https://executivedigest.sapo.pt/vacas-nos-parques-nas-estradas-e-entre-as-casas-cidade-da-macedonia-do-norte-pede-estado-de-crise-para-travar-invasao) — Cows in Parks, Roads and Between Houses: North Macedonian City Calls for a State of Crisis to Stop the Invasion
- [antena3.ro](https://antena3.ro/externe/mapamond/1-000-de-vaci-umbla-libere-printr-un-oras-din-macedonia-de-nord-primarul-cere-declararea-starii-de-criza-provoaca-daune-serioase-811095.html) — 1,000 Cows Walk Freely Through a City in Northern Macedonia. The Mayor Asks for a Declaration of the State of Crisis: "It Causes Serious Damage.
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/video/2026/11/13/north-macedonia-kriva-palanka-seeks-help-over-1000-free-roaming-cows) — North Macedonia: Kriva Palanka seeks help over 1,000 free-roaming cows
- [IndexHR](https://index.hr/vijesti/clanak/video-vise-od-1000-krava-luta-gradom-u-sjevernoj-makedoniji-traze-krizno-stanje/2856699.aspx) — VIDEO More than 1,000 Cows Roam the City in North Macedonia. They Are Looking for a State of Crisis
- [Africa News](http://africanews.com/2026/11/13/north-macedonia-kriva-palanka-seeks-help-over-1000-free-roaming-cows) — North Macedonia: Kriva Palanka seeks help over 1,000 free-roaming cows
- [LiveTube](https://livetube.tv/news/video-mayor-of-north-macedonian-town-raises-alarm-over-free-roaming-cows-causing-severe-disruption) — Video: Mayor of North Macedonian town raises alarm over free-roaming cows causing severe disruption
- [Social News XYZ](https://socialnews.xyz/2026/11/13/mayor-of-north-macedonian-town-raises-alarm-over-free-roaming-cows-causing-severe-disruption-video) — Mayor of North Macedonian town raises alarm over free-roaming cows causing severe disruption
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/2026/11/13/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/ap_national_news/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers/article_13012f6f-b390-5a05-9622-0c74e152220d.html) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/hundreds-of-roaming-cows-wreak-havoc-in-north-macedonian-town-frustrating-farmers) — Hundreds of roaming cows wreak havoc in North Macedonian town, frustrating farmers

## Questions

**What is happening in Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia?**

Kriva Palanka is experiencing a significant problem with a herd of over 1,000 roaming cattle. These animals are destroying crops, threatening the local water supply, and creating traffic hazards on roads, including the one leading to Bulgaria.

**Why has the problem with the cows persisted for years?**

According to residents and Mayor Sashko Mitovski, the issue has persisted due to bureaucratic failures. They state that responsible institutions have lacked the necessary willingness, commitment, capacity, or resources to enforce orders and resolve the problem effectively.

**What action has the mayor requested?**

Mayor Sashko Mitovski has asked the national government to declare a 30-day state of emergency in the municipality. This would provide authorities with the necessary funds and resources to address and permanently resolve the problem of the roaming cattle.

---

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