The ruling coalition announced it will bring back its dog‑chain legislation, while President Nawrocki’s draft faces criticism for lacking cage‑size rules.
Opposition to Re‑approval of the Vetoed Law
Only 192 MPs voted against a repeat approval of the law vetoed on December 2, whereas 246 MPs supported it. Skipping the vote, the coalition’s lawmakers fell 17 votes short of the 263 needed to reject the president’s veto. Some Law and Justice MPs, including President‑elect Jarosław Kaczyński, did not participate in the vote.
KO Plans to Re‑introduce Its Bill
Vice‑chairwoman Katarzyna Piekarska told Gazeta.pl that the governing coalition will file its original draft again, which includes the cage‑size provisions that caused the veto. The proposal sets minimum dimensions of 10 m² for dogs under 20 kg, 15 m² for 20–30 kg, and 20 m² for dogs over 30 kg.
President Nawrocki’s Chain Law Draft
The president’s draft, submitted at the start of December, bans keeping pets in restraints except for walking, transport or shows, and requires owners to prevent unsupervised exits. However, it omits any specification of cage sizes.
KO Bill Lacks Size Regulations
Critics argue the draft is unacceptable because it does not define cage dimensions or what constitutes a cage, leaving ownership rules vague. It also fails to mandate dog walking, potentially allowing owners to neglect daily exercise.
Possibility of a Compromise
Piekarska says lawmakers will oppose Nawrocki’s current wording but hope the presidential office will work on a new bill that could reach parliamentary consensus. She suggests that agreeing on cage dimensions proposed in the “Piątka dla zwierząt” five‑year plan—ranging from 9 to 15 m²—might bring a politically viable compromise.
Support from PiS MPs and the President
Some PiS MPs and the president are open to this compromise, with Piekarska noting the chance to negotiate a middle‑ground solution that includes reduced cage sizes. This may influence the final legislation.
