A Historic Turning Point for Animal Rights in Poland
Animal protection in Poland is at a pivotal moment. With a surge of legislative activity and the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary commission, the legal landscape for animal welfare is set for a critical shift. At World Animal Justice (WAJ),
we are honored to have the Lawyers for Animals Association in Poland –Prawnicy na Rzecz Zwierząt as a new active partner in this mission. Their similar commitment to bringing together animal lawyers as to maximize legislative proposals and drive impactful changes for animals aligns perfectly with our mission for stronger legal frameworks to better protect all animals.
News from the Polish Parliament - By WAJ Expert Maria Januszczyk
Since the beginning of the current term of the Polish Parliament on 13 November 2023, numerous bills addressing animal welfare have been introduced. Recognizing the importance of these legislative efforts, the Polish government established the Sejm Special Commission for the Protection of Animals on 18 October 2024. This marks a historic moment as it is the first-ever Commission dedicated solely to animal protection, independent of the Department of Agriculture. Previously, legislative matters concerning animals were primarily handled by the Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development.
Chaired by Deputy Speaker of the Sejm, Dorota Niedziela, an experienced veterinarian, the Special Commission is reviewing ten key legislative proposals that could reshape animal rights in Poland. Among the most impactful are:
- A ban on fur farms
- Mandatory microchipping and neutering of dogs and cats
- Prohibitions on F2 and F3 fireworks
- An end to animal chaining
Full list of proposed legislative changes
The Supreme Audit Office’s Report: Urgent Need for Reform
The Commission’s first substantive meeting presented a concerning audit by the Supreme Audit Office, which assessed local municipalities’ responsibilities regarding homeless animals from 2019-2024.
Findings revealed systemic failures in providing adequate care, with none of the reviewed municipalities meeting acceptable standards. Only half implemented essential measures such as free microchipping and neutering programs, despite clear evidence that these interventions are the most effective ways to combat animal homelessness.
The audit’s recommendations include implementing nationwide mandatory chipping and neutering policies, except for animals intended for breeding or those with medical contraindications. If enacted, these measures could drastically reduce the overwhelming number of stray animals in Poland.
Read the full Supreme Audit Office report here
A Citizens’ Bill with Unprecedented Public Support
One of the most significant legislative efforts under review is the citizens’ bill to amend the Animal Protection Act, signed by over half a million Polish citizens—five times the required number for a legislative initiative. This proposal calls for sweeping reforms such as:
- Stricter regulations for dog and cat breeding
- Increased penalties for animal cruelty
- A ban on the retail sale of live fish
- Prohibiting bailiffs from seizing companion animals in debt enforcement cases
- Outlawing begging with animals
In a landmark move, the Sejm held a public hearing on 30 January 2025, where over 250 representatives from social organizations and individuals voiced their opinions on the proposed amendments. This reflects the growing demand for stronger animal protection laws in Poland and a public increasingly engaged in legislative advocacy.
Details on the citizens’ bill and public hearing
Learn more about the Sejm Special Commission for the Protection of Animals
A Call to Action: Strengthening Global Animal Advocacy
The current developments in Poland highlight the critical importance of collaboration between animal protection NGOs and legal experts worldwide. By joining forces, we can amplify our advocacy, push for more effective legislative reforms, and ensure that laws designed to protect animals are not just drafted but enforced with real impact.
At World Animal Justice (WAJ), we believe that meaningful legislative change comes when animal lawyers, advocates, and policymakers work together. Our collaboration with the Lawyers for Animals Association in Poland exemplifies the power of uniting expertise and advocacy for a shared mission: a future where animal rights are recognized, upheld, and continuously strengthened in order to legally combat animal crimes worldwide.
Picture source: Piotr Tracz Chancellery of the Polish Sejm