On 17 December, Polish lawmakers fought over President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the controversial “chain law,” leaving the veto in effect after the vote failed to meet the required majority.
Conflict Between the President’s Office and Parliament
During the Sejm session on 17 December, Zbigniew Bogucki of the President’s Office and Deputy Marshal Dorota Niedziela clashed over differing views on the bill. Bogucki claimed the office was only invited to discuss the draft after Nawrocki presented it, while Niedziela accused the office of refusing a meeting to negotiate the law.
Veto Vote Fails to Gain Majority
In the subsequent vote, the Sejm could not reach the three‑fifths majority required—256 members voted to reject the veto against 192, with 22 abstentions—falling short of the 263 votes needed. As a result, Nawrocki’s veto remains in force.
Key Provisions of the Chain Law
The law bans keeping dogs in cages and requires caretakers to provide a hardened, surfaced area of at least 10 m² for dogs under 20 kg, 15 m² for those 20–30 kg, and 20 m² for those over 30 kg. It sets a standard of care rather than criminalizing animal abuse.
