On 22 September, the National Society for the Protection of Animals (OTOZ Animals) announced via Instagram that enough signatures had been gathered to support a civic bill to amend the Animal Protection Act. The campaign was coordinated by OTOZ Animals in collaboration with Viva! Foundation, the Mondo Cane Foundation, and Action Democracy (Akcja Demokracja) required 100,000 signatures to be submitted by 24 September, with submissions made in person rather than online.

The news was also shared on Facebook by New Left MP Łukasz Litewka, who jokingly remarked, "Unfortunately, 100,000 signatures were not collected for the civic animal rights project. Well, well over 100,000 were collected! The count is still ongoing by the organisers. Congratulations to all who signed!"

The bill is set to be submitted to the Sejm this week.

The legislative initiative, titled "Stop the Chains, Puppy Mills and Animal Homelessness," includes proposals to strengthen the protection of animal rights in Poland.

The changes it proposes include:

• A ban on the use of chains and tethers for animals;
• Regulation of puppy mills by creating a Breeding Register under the supervision of the Veterinary Inspection;
• Amendments to existing laws to define abuse as keeping animals in confinement, neglecting treatment, and selling live fish for retail;
• Mandatory spaying and neutering of non-breeding animals;
• Compulsory microchipping of pets;
• A ban on the production and sale of items made from pets;
• A prohibition on the seizure of pets in bailiff enforcement;
• A ban on using animals for begging;
• Increased penalties for animal cruelty;
• A ban on fireworks;
• A prohibition on displaying dogs with cropped ears or docked tails.

Numerous animal welfare organisations, including the Green Party, animal shelters, pet shops, veterinary clinics, restaurants, and other venues across Poland, have rallied in support of the signature-gathering campaign. OTOZ Animals expressed gratitude on Instagram, stating: "Thank you to everyone who signed and to all those who helped collect signatures. This achievement is all thanks to you!"

The organisation also outlined the next steps in the fight for animal rights, explaining: "The project is now in the hands of MPs, senators, and the president. Parliament will be required to address our proposal within the next three months."

However, OTOZ Animals emphasised the importance of continued action, urging: "There is still much to be done. What do we need to do now? We need to raise our voices loud and clear. Let them hear us in Warsaw that we demand these changes for the animals of Poland. We must not let the project be shelved."