The Supreme Court of Spain has upheld a ruling that finds both the Xunta de Galicia and the central government responsible for the pollution of the As Conchas reservoir and the Limia River caused by industrial livestock farming. This follows a prior decision from the Galician Superior Court of Justice, which determined that the inaction of authorities in regulating the proliferation of industrial farms compromised the fundamental rights of local residents. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for environmental activists who have long argued against the detrimental impact of the livestock industry on local ecosystems.

In this case, the Supreme Court dismissed appeals from both the Xunta de Galicia and the Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation, signaling a lack of tolerance for continued negligence regarding environmental health. Activists have pointed out that the expansion of intensive livestock farming in the regions of A Limia and A Baixa Limia has not only polluted the waterways but has also transformed these areas into what they refer to as a 'sewer,' largely due to insufficient government oversight and regulation.

The Supreme Court's decision may set a precedent for similar cases in other regions affected by industrial agriculture. It raises questions about the responsibilities of local and national governments in protecting environmental and public health, and whether further legal action might follow to address ongoing pollution issues. As citizens hope for improved regulatory measures, the ruling underscores the need for urgent changes in how the government interacts with the livestock industry to safeguard public health and the environment.