On Sunday, December 14, Warsaw’s “Great Parade for Animals” ended in front of the Presidential Palace, as activists called for a veto rejection and highlighted dogs’ chronic stress.
Slogans and Route of the Parade
The “Great Parade for Animals” took place on Sunday, December 14, in Warsaw. Participants marched along Woli, Nowy Świat, and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets, ending in front of the Presidential Palace. Slogans shouted included “Break the chains, reject the veto”, “Animal is not a thing”, and “President, stop this suffering”.
MP Katarzyna Piekarska Calls for Veto Rejection
Parliamentarian Katarzyna Piekarska, who has campaigned for animal rights and worked in the previous parliament on “five‑for‑animals” provisions, said in the rally that people still hope the veto will be discarded. She recalled that 30 years ago, when the first animal‑protection bill appeared, a similar call to free dogs from chains was made, but it was too early, she said, citing Polish Press Agency.
Dr. Robert Maślak Highlights Chronic Stress in Dogs
Dr. Robert Maślak of the Biology Faculty at the University of Wrocław explained that the march participants do not accept the suffering that remains legal in Poland. He said a dog on a chain or confined in a tight crate continues to suffer, and that behavioral research shows chained or tightly caged dogs bite more frequently and aggressively. “Chronic stress and loneliness lead to behavioral breakdowns,” he added.
Vote Against Presidential Veto Scheduled for December 17
The Sejm will vote on Wednesday, December 17, to reject President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the “chain law”. Nawrocki justified the veto by saying the bill was poorly drafted and would create new problems. He said the proposed cage size regulations were unrealistic and would harm farmers and rural households. He announced he would submit his own draft aimed at freeing dogs from chains.
Parliament Approves Amendments to Animal‑Protection Law
The Sejm adopted amendments to the animal‑protection law in late September. The vote counted 280 MPs in favour, 105 against, and 30 abstentions. 49 PiS MPs, including Jarosław Kaczyński, supported the amendments.
