A dead cow lies for eight days near a field, a calf circles around it: 'The heavy shame of the whole of Croatia'

A dead cow has been lying in high grass near Biograd for eight days, with a calf continuously circling its body. The disturbing sight, which locals have repeatedly reported, has gone unnoticed by local authorities. Despite multiple calls to police, municipal services, and other agencies, no one has taken action to address the situation. The incident began nearly a month ago when a cow and a calf, left unattended and without water, appeared near a field owned by Dragan Vukoja in Pakoštan. According to Vukoja, the cow damaged his crops, including beans, spinach, and carrots. He described the damage as a minor issue. On July 11th, he called the police, who arrived on-site and confirmed the damage. They informed him that the wandering cow was outside their jurisdiction and advised him to contact the Municipal Police of Biograd na Moru. Two days later, he contacted them, only to learn that they could not handle the animal either, directing him instead to the veterinary inspection office in Zadar. He submitted the case to the inspectorate in Zadar, but so far, no response has come. The cow eventually died after eight days, according to Vukoja, who claims the animal suffered due to lack of water. With temperatures reaching high levels, the cow sought water in dew, eventually swallowing air and dying in pain. Since then, the carcass has remained in the grass, decomposing, while the calf continues to circle it. Vukoja expressed frustration over the lack of response from local authorities, describing the situation as a national disgrace. He stated that he has called all emergency services, yet none have acted. He even offered to provide water to the calf, saying that if he were not there, the calf would likely die too. “This is a tragedy for the Croatian state,” he said, adding that the scene will serve as a poor advertisement for Croatia, highlighting the neglect of a dead animal and a calf for eight days. Local officials have also failed to act. The mayor of Biograd sent two people to catch the calf, but they were unsuccessful within two days. Vukoja noted that the weather conditions were extreme, temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius, with little wind and no cooling. “It’s terrifying. This is a great shame for the entire country,” he said. Tourists visiting the area have also expressed outrage over the sight. Vukoja criticized local authorities for complete inaction, suggesting they could have at least temporarily cleaned up the site using fire department or municipal services. “Nothing, nothing, they don’t care,” he said. He also criticized animal protection organizations, claiming they showed no concern for the calf. “They don’t care about animals. They have cats, dogs, and small pets. They get money from the county and the state, yet they don’t care about a small calf,” he said. Vukoja further claimed he knows the owner of the cattle and that the man even threatened him. The owner told him, “That’s not my responsibility” and asked, “Why are you burdening yourself?” Vukoja described the situation as very unpleasant and inhuman. Other farmers nearby have also been affected, unable to work their fields due to the smell and fear of potential disease spread. The situation has created a sense of unease among local residents and visitors alike. Authorities have been contacted by RTL Danas regarding the incident, and responses are pending. The case highlights a broader issue of institutional apathy and the failure of local governance to respond to public concerns. As the situation continues, the community waits for some form of resolution, hoping that someone will finally take responsibility for the neglected animals and the resulting environmental and social impact.