(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
Authorities in central Croatia have confirmed that large-scale industrial chicken farm projects will not be included in the county’s spatial development plans following strong opposition from citizens and environmental groups.
The prefect of Sisak-Moslavina County, Ivan Celjak, met with representatives of several civic initiatives and non-governmental organisations who raised concerns about a series of proposed poultry production, slaughter and processing facilities planned across the region.
The meeting brought together representatives from citizen groups including “Siščani ne žele biti Smetlišćani”, “Sunjani ne žele biti smuljani”, residents of the municipality of Velika Ludina, initiatives from Lekenik and Popovača, as well as environmental organisations such as Prijatelji životinja and Zelena akcija.
Citizens voice environmental concerns
Activists presented data about the scale of the planned facilities, warning that the proposed developments could have significant impacts on the environment, public health and local communities.
They said the first project to draw public attention was a planned slaughterhouse in Sisak, raising alarm due to its proximity to rivers, drinking water sources, schools and kindergartens, as well as concerns over high resource consumption.
Campaigners claim the projects form part of a much larger network of industrial facilities. Initially, 18 developments were identified, later rising to 20 and now reportedly at least 22 across the region.
According to representatives of the initiatives, the public was previously told that a biogas plant would not be included in the plans. However, they say the facility has never been formally withdrawn and no clear waste management solution has been presented.
Citizens’ groups stress that their opposition extends to all proposed plants, arguing that each would have a damaging impact on the environment, the quality of life of residents and Croatia’s agricultural sector.
(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
Widespread public support
Public mobilisation against the projects has been significant. A petition opposing the industrial poultry complexes has already gathered more than 50,000 signatures.
More than 5,000 people also took part in a protest in Zagreb, while over 160 civil society organisations have expressed support for halting the developments.
County confirms farms will not be included in spatial plan
During the meeting, Celjak said he shares the concerns raised by residents and confirmed that changes to the county’s spatial plan will not include the proposed chicken farms.
“The procedure to amend the spatial plan was launched in 2021. However, the potential investors did not meet the required conditions, and the planned chicken farms will not be included in the amendments and additions to the spatial plan of Sisak-Moslavina County,” Celjak said.
Earlier, the mayor of Sisak, Domagoj Orlić, also issued a decision stating that the planned projects are not in line with either the county spatial plan or the city’s urban development plan.
(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
Citizens call for nationwide political support
Representatives of the initiatives welcomed the county’s position but stressed that they expect clear and unified opposition from all levels of government.
They are calling on municipalities, counties, ministries and the Croatian government to stand firmly with citizens to prevent what they describe as environmentally harmful mega-projects that could damage local agriculture and communities.
Campaigners are urging citizens to continue signing the petition and to attend a new protest planned in Sisak on 25 April.