President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a parliament‑approved law to free dogs from chains, despite signing an amendment banning fur farms, sparking a showdown over how to override his veto in the Sejm.
President Signs, Vetoes Chain Bill
Karol Nawrocki signed an amendment banning fur farming but vetoed the bill that would remove chains from dogs. He rejected the proposed enclosure sizes (10 m² for dogs under 20 kg, 15 m² for 20–30 kg, 20 m² for over 30 kg) as absurd, and has drafted a new bill omitting these requirements.
Parliament Close to Override Decision
On 26 September, 280 MPs voted in favor of the chain law, with 49 from PiS, including president‑elect Jarosław Kaczyński. This exceeds the 276 votes needed to override a presidential veto in a 460‑member house.
Committee Review Set for December
Nawrocki’s veto will be formally recorded on Wednesday and sent to an extraordinary committee on animal protection, which is scheduled to convene from 17‑19 December to consider the bill’s fate and a potential override vote.
Coalition Mobilizes for Override
KO leaders, such as Zbigniew Konwiński, emphasize disciplined attendance for the override vote. Members of Koalicja 15 Października, Plus, and Lewica also plan to be present, while the chair of the Sejm, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, stated, “The veto will be voted on because we view the president’s decision as inexplicable.”
PiS Split on Maintaining the Veto
Although some PiS MPs intend to keep the veto—Kaczyński himself said he would not lift it—they cited parts of the law as worthwhile yet impractical. Other PiS members remain uncertain, with one MP saying she might abstain or not vote at all.
KO Criticizes Presidential Proposal
KO MP Dorota Niedziela slammed the president’s “chain law” as unusable, arguing it offers no solutions and merely shifts responsibility onto owners. She warned that the legislation forces owners to impose “safety measures” that could worsen animal welfare.
Fur Ban Holds Greater Support Than Chain Law
Despite concerns over the chain law, most PiS MPs back the ban on fur farming, which received double the votes in a 17 October vote. They view the fur ban as a priority, noting the president’s veto on this issue would be less likely to be upheld.
