Calabria's 'Sacred Cows' Mafia Legacy Fuels Cattle Crisis

In the southern Italian region of Calabria, a persistent and dangerous problem plagues local communities: free-roaming cattle, a relic of the mafia's past influence. These animals, often considered "sacred" due to their historical ties to mafia-linked networks, cause accidents, destroy property, and instill fear, serving as a daily reminder of the region's struggle to overcome its criminal history.

The Enduring Problem of "Sacred Cows"

The cattle roam freely across the roads and farmlands of Calabria, particularly in areas like Chitanova. Locals report that these animals have been a nuisance for over 30 years, causing significant damage to fences and crops. Farmers, exasperated, often leave gates open in resignation, feeling powerless against the constant destruction. The police are aware of the issue but have historically done little to intervene, contributing to the perception that these cows are "untouchable."

Pepe Morabito, a town councilman in Chitanova responsible for security, has dedicated himself to documenting the damage caused by these animals. He explains that the cows are seen as sacred, much like those in India, because they belong to the 'Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia. This perception has allowed their numbers to multiply unchecked, leading to widespread damage and a culture of silence.

Mafia's Legacy: From Agriculture to Intimidation

Chitanova, a town of about 10,000 residents, was once heavily controlled by the mafia in the 1970s and 80s. The 'Ndrangheta used agriculture as a front, with members posing as farmers owning fields, barns, and cattle to mask their criminal operations. The cows became an integral part of this facade.

According to Domenico Antto, the mayor of Chitanova, these cows originally belonged to mafia families. During periods of intense mafia feuds and wars, members became too preoccupied to care for their animals, abandoning them. These uncared-for cattle then multiplied uncontrollably, exacerbating the problem.

The danger of speaking out against this issue was tragically demonstrated by the case of Fortunato, a retired ophthalmologist who tended his family's fields. He reported the mafia-linked owners of the cattle and was subsequently shot dead in his car, an act investigators believe was revenge. This incident reinforced the silence surrounding the issue, with authorities often looking the other way and even denying the existence of the 'Ndrangheta.

Farmers Under Siege

The impact of these free-roaming cattle extends beyond property damage; it's a tool of intimidation. Bruno Bonfar, a farmer growing bergamots in the hills of the Ionian coast, has repeatedly seen his farm ravaged by cows. His father was murdered for witnessing a mafia kidnapping, and since then, Bonfar has faced relentless pressure. He suspects the cows are deliberately driven onto his land to force him out, noting instances where entire gates were removed, not just fences cut. His equipment has been stolen or damaged, making farming nearly impossible. Bonfar believes these attacks are planned to drive him away and seize his land.

A Personal Turning Point and Collective Action

For years, the authorities' inaction allowed the problem to fester. However, for Pepe Morabito, the issue became deeply personal in 2017 when his daughter was involved in a car accident with a bull. Her car was destroyed, and she was left traumatized. This incident spurred Pepe into action, transforming him into an activist.

Despite the known dangers of challenging the mafia, Pepe co-founded the "No Bull" initiative in 2017. This movement brought citizens together to openly and visibly demand action from authorities. Domenico Antto, who later became mayor, was also an early supporter. The initiative successfully pressured politicians and police to form a task force, which initially achieved good results by capturing and removing hundreds of cattle.

Resurgence and Ongoing Challenges

Despite initial successes, the problem is resurfacing. The task force reduced its operations about a year ago, leading to an increase in cattle numbers. The terrain, covering approximately 52 square kilometers (the size of Manhattan), is rugged, with narrow roads and overgrown paths, making it difficult for emergency crews to capture the animals. The cattle find shelter easily and reproduce undisturbed, emerging only for food and water.

Pepe continues his tireless work, using a network of about 10 cameras to monitor the cattle's movements and numbers. He provides this data to the prefecture, police, and task force to guide their operations. His camera footage confirms that the herd is growing again, with numbers increasing from 150 last year to nearly 200 this year.

Farmers like Domenico Kuringa face a dangerous and seemingly hopeless battle. He describes how bulls twist wires with their horns and break fences, forcing him to constantly repair damage. He has called the police, but they claim they cannot act without permission to shoot the animals, deeming them not a danger from behind a desk.

The problem is not confined to Chitanova; other municipalities, like Carnolo Novo, are also experiencing similar issues, highlighting it as a widespread public safety concern.

A State of Abandonment and Fear

The military police (Carabinieri) are not equipped for large-scale cattle management, and the task force only deploys for planned operations, leaving a gap in immediate response. This bureaucratic inertia means that while reports are passed between various agencies, the animals continue to roam.

The mafia's legacy has left a deep mark on the region. Many farms stand empty, and fields lie abandoned. Pepe points to former orange groves that have been deserted for decades, with gates left open as a symbol of people fleeing. Young people are moving away, and EU subsidies rarely reach small farms, leading to the loss of approximately 2,000 farms annually in southern Italy.

Vacant buildings and abandoned land are silent witnesses to migration and abandonment. The free-roaming cows contribute to this trend, preventing people from building a life in the area. The constant fear of the mafia's potential resurgence, threatening safety and livelihoods, remains a significant deterrent.

Despite the pervasive fear and the visible signs of abandonment, Pepe Morabito continues his fight. He is seen as the backbone of Chitanova, a dedicated individual who tackles every problem. Even when bulls are spotted in the town center, a rare occurrence, Pepe is on the scene, documenting their tracks and coordinating with authorities. He understands that while immediate threats can be managed, the underlying issue of official responsibilities and effective solutions remains unresolved, leaving the mafia's "sacred cows" to continue their destructive legacy.