Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the controversial “chain of dogs” bill on Tuesday, calling it poorly drafted and unrealistic, while announcing a new law aimed at truly protecting rural animals.
President Declares Veto
A video posted by the President’s office showed Karol Nawrocki announcing his veto of the so‑called “chain law.” He said, “Today I signed three laws, and I decided to veto one. The law I vetoed is the chain law. While the intention—animal protection—is noble and good, the law itself was poorly written.”
Shortcomings of the Chain Law
“Instead of solving problems, it creates new ones that could worsen the situation rather than improve animal welfare,” the president said. He also warned that the proposed dog enclosures are “completely unrealistic.” “Enclosures the size of city skateboards would be absurd and would harm farmers, breeders, and ordinary rural households,” he added. He described the law as detached from reality, adding that “dead law is worse than no law” and that the state would not be able to enforce its requirements.
New Legislation Proposal
President Nawrocki rejected the stereotype that the Polish countryside mistreats animals, claiming it is a harmful generalization. He stated the government’s draft law “stigmatises the Polish countryside.” Later he announced that he will submit a new bill to the Sejm that would liberate dogs from chains. The proposal, he said, will realistically improve animal welfare without imposing unrealistic obligations to construct multi‑meter enclosures. If processed efficiently, it should enter force around the same time as the earlier draft. The President’s Office is also preparing a law to protect agribusiness operations.
Veto on Fur Farm Ban
In a separate move, Nawrocki vetoed the ban on fur farms. He addressed farmers and rural residents, noting that “over two‑tenth of Poles, including countryside dwellers, support the fur‑farm ban.” He explained that the law includes compensation for those who close their businesses early, support for employees, and an eight‑year transition period.
Government Reaction
Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka quickly responded, saying the veto “hurts those who cannot defend themselves” and expressed widespread disappointment. Szłapka’s comment was posted without a link.
Animal Welfare Groups Disappointed
The national animal protection organization OTOZ Animals expressed displeasure, claiming the veto endangers dogs on chains and could prolong the “shameful tradition.” They urged supporters to email their parliamentarians to break the chains. The organization noted that the proposed law is now back in the Sejm and requires a three‑quarters majority to override the president’s veto.