The GruBrìa Park (formerly Grugnotorto Villoresi) should be a green lung, a space of biodiversity protected from the rampant urbanisation of Northern Milan. Instead, it is now at the centre of a controversy pitting citizens, committees and associations against the construction of a new sheep farm.
The context: concrete in the heart of the park
The project involves the construction of a structure of approximately 1,500 square metres on previously undeveloped agricultural land between Paderno and Cinisello Balsamo. Although the Municipality of Paderno Dugnano has issued the building permit, the ‘No allevamento Paderno‘ Committee, formed in response to citizens’ ethical concerns, has been denouncing for months the possibility that there are also environmental and regulatory issues, and has therefore turned to ALI for the relevant support.
In particular, citizens point out that the area is classified as part of the Regional Ecological Network (RER): the construction interrupts vital ecological corridors for local wildlife. Furthermore, the risk of seepage and the odour from the storage of animal waste worries residents in the surrounding areas of Paderno and Cinisello Balsamo.
These concerns are compounded by worries over land consumption: in a territory already overwhelmed by concrete, the loss of further permeable land represents an incalculable loss for the community.
The ethical issue
Opposition to the opening of a new intensive farm is not limited to environmental concerns. In an open letter sent to the Mayor of Paderno Dugnano, citizens express their ethical objection to the establishment of a new facility intended to house animals destined for slaughter, in a territory — the Po Valley — where there are already more farmed animals than human inhabitants.
In this regard, it is worth recalling that lambs are killed between 20 and 40 days of age: a practice that is causing growing dismay among the public, so much so that the number of lambs slaughtered during festive seasons in the name of tradition has been steadily declining over the years, also thanks to the important awareness-raising work carried out by animal rights organisations.
Historical Decline in Lamb Slaughter in Italy
Sources: ALI elaboration based on ISTAT data and the “Essere Animali” report (2024). Data includes both domestic production and animals imported and slaughtered in Italy.
Our intervention
In recent months, we decided to support the residents of the area by submitting a request for access to documents from the municipalities involved.
This phase is preparatory to assessing the possibility of initiating potential legal action to prevent this new facility from being completed and beginning operations.