Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty urges the Polish public to mobilise against President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the “chain law” that bans keeping dogs on chains, calling for action before Christmas Eve.
Marshal Publishes Video Appeal
In a social media video, Marshal Czarzasty implores the public to push for the rejection of the president’s veto on the chain law. He calls it a “big request” and urges people everywhere to post the appeal and write to MPs and senators, emphasizing that the issue concerns dogs, not parties. He stresses that the action must be taken before Christmas Eve.
President Veto on Chain Law
President Karol Nawrocki refused to sign the bill that banned keeping dogs on chains and introduced other animal‑protection measures, such as specific kennel requirements. The marshal notes that the president’s disapproval centered mainly on this element of the law.
Law’s Intended Protections and Flaws
Nawrocki described the intent of the law as “loyal and noble” but said it was poorly drafted. He said the proposed kennel standards for dogs, as set out in the draft, were “completely unrealizable”. He announced that he would submit his own version of the bill.
Needed Votes to Overturn Veto
Rejecting the veto requires a 3/5 majority, or 276 MPs. The ruling coalition lacks that many votes, though 280 MPs initially voted for the law, including 49 from PiS. The marshal points to these numbers to justify the urgency of the campaign.
Pet Advocacy Group Calls for Action
The OTOZ Animals Foundation posted a call in social media, urging people to send emails to their parliamentarians to vote for the removal of chains. The organization criticised Nawrocki’s decision, saying the presidential veto condemns dogs to chains and further suffering, and that Poland is disappointed in the president’s choice. They claim the veto could have ended the shameful tradition of keeping dogs on chains once and for all.
