Mallorca chicken farm accused of keeping hens in filth and fraudulently selling ‘free-range’ eggs
Animal rights groups claim birds lived among corpses and rats, while consumers may have been misled over egg labelling
A poultry farm in Llucmajor, Mallorca, is under investigation after shocking claims emerged that hens were kept in filthy conditions, surrounded by dead animals, rats and faeces - all the while their eggs were sold as free-range.The complaint has been brought by two Spanish animal and environmental protection organisations, Arde and Satya Animal, who filed a report with the Balearic Islands Environmental Prosecutor’s Office in April 2025. They allege the farm has committed potential crimes against public health and consumer fraud.
An anonymous informant sent video footage to the organisations, showing what they describe as a “serious lack of hygiene” inside the facility, with dust, dirt, cobwebs and feathers coating the surfaces. The footage also appears to show live hens coexisting with dozens of dead birds, some in advanced stages of decomposition, others partially eaten, alongside rats and even hedgehogs.
According to Arde’s spokesperson, Julia Elizalde, the farm is the largest livestock operation of its kind in the Balearics. She says, “Consumers pay more for free-range eggs believing the hens go outside. But the doors stayed shut for six days, meaning the animals had no outdoor access - a clear breach of EU regulations.”
Free-range eggs typically sell for 35 percent more than standard eggs, raising further concerns over consumer deception. Satya Animal president Marina Sánchez criticised the use of the ‘free-range’ label, saying, “It becomes a mere marketing tool. People think they are supporting animal welfare, but in reality they are funding suffering on a farm that is completely irregular.”
The groups also highlight a wider public health risk, pointing to the presence of wild animals which may increase the chance of zoonotic diseases such as salmonella or leptospirosis being transmitted to humans.
Despite a €150,000 fine last year for lacking the required environmental permits, the farm reportedly continued operating and even received more than €380,000 in EU rural development funding for an egg-sorting facility. The Regional Ministry of Agriculture has notified the Prosecutor’s Office and issued precautionary measures.
Local residents have also complained of flies, foul smells and health issues. “In summer we have to stay indoors to avoid breathing contaminated air,” said one neighbour, Xisco Amaya.
The farm, Avícola Son Perot, denies the allegations. In a statement, it said the site passed an official animal welfare audit on Tuesday May 20 and is regularly inspected by regional veterinary and technical services. The company believes that "any concerns" about the state of the farms have been "duly clarified." They say that their legal team will respond if they believe their rights have been infringed.
Image: Couleur/Pixabay
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