The extraordinary parliamentary committee has finally begun work on a sweeping overhaul of Poland’s animal‑protection law, drawing support from across the political spectrum. The bill includes a ban on chains, mandatory micro‑chipping, a crackdown on fur farms and tighter penalties for abuse.
Committee Remains Dormant
Despite being created late last year, the extraordinary committee has convened only eight times and has yet to study any of its ten designated bills. Proposals from NGOs, coalition clubs (KO, Left, Poland‑2050) and the opposition were delayed until the June presidential elections, which many hoped would pave the way for comprehensive reforms led by victory‑expected candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
Committee Begins Work
After a lukewarm reception from President Karol Nawrocki, the committee has decided to tackle the animal‑protection amendments. The first priority will be the chain ban, then issues related to in‑breed facilities, followed by a citizens’ initiative.
Citizen Initiative
The broadest and most ambitious proposal, prepared by the VIVA!, OTOZ Animals, and Mondo Cane foundations, would forbid chains, mandate micro‑chips for all dogs, ban noisy fireworks, curb pseudocross‑breeding, increase state oversight of shelters, and tighten penalties for animal cruelty. Similar clauses appear in plans from KO, the Left, and Poland‑2050.
Cross‑Party “Yes” for Chain Ban
The chain ban faces minimal opposition and has support from both the liberal government coalition and members of PSL and PiS. PSL’s Jarosław Rzepa insists the issue is solved, while PiS’s Krzysztof Ciecióra calls for a compromise that respects existing regulations.
Fur Farming Controversy
Two legislative proposals aim to phase out fur farming. The first, by KO and the Greens, would impose a five‑year gradually‑capped timeline with compensation, while the second, supported by PiS, Confederation, and Kukiz’15, proposes a 15‑year deadline without payouts. A potential hybrid solution could combine a five‑year compensated exit with a longer un‑compensated phase.
Could President Sign?
President Nawrocki threatened a veto during the campaign, declaring “No to the Five‑Part Animals” (Piątka dla zwierząt). Although the bill has won legislative backing, his signature remains uncertain. KO lawmakers hope his wife Marta Nawrocka, praised for her affection toward animals, will influence him to accept the reforms.
Source: Gazeta,
