President Nawrocki Signs Animal Welfare Amendment Banning Tethers for Dogs and Cats

President Karol Nawrocki has signed an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act banning the tethering of dogs and cats, following a veto of a previous bill in 2025.

Ban on Tethering Dogs and Cats

Keeping dogs and cats on tethers will be prohibited. President Karol Nawrocki signed the amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, which will enter into force one year after its promulgation. This marks the second attempt to introduce such regulations, as the president vetoed the first version in 2025.

President Karol Nawrocki announced on Friday in a video published on the Chancellery of the President’s profile on X that he had signed the amendment. He recalled that in 2025 he vetoed the first chain law, stating it was poorly prepared, over-regulated, and imposed impossible obligations on people.

Exceptions to the Tethering Ban

Under the law, the tethering ban applies to cats as well as dogs. The regulations do provide exceptions, such as during transport, participation in an exhibition, or medical procedures, as well as for short-term, incidental situations away from the dog’s permanent residence under conditions specified by the owner.

New Regulations for Dog Pens

The regulations permit keeping a dog in a pen if it is impossible to allow the dog to move freely around the property due to a lack of fencing or if the dog poses a danger to humans or other animals. Such pens must allow free movement and natural needs, feature a stable structure, and have at least two sides with light and air permeable slats.

Owners keeping dogs in pens must ensure daily exercise outside the pen appropriate for the dog’s age, health, and behavioral needs. Additionally, owners must provide a wooden or wood-based insulated dog house designed to protect against weather conditions.

Implementation and Legislative Background

The new regulations will enter into force one year after the law is promulgated. This is the second approach to banning dog tethers, following the December veto of the previous rigid regulations and the subsequent submission of a new bill alongside parliamentary proposals.