Polish citizens propose new bill protecting animals
Polish animal rights activists are joining forces to push for legal reforms. They are currently gathering signatures for a citizens' bill to amend animal protection laws. However, time is running out to add signatures to the petition.
The legal status of animals in Poland remains far from ideal. Scenes of animals chained up, confined to small pens, live fish being sold in plastic bags, and the continued existence of puppy mills paint a grim picture of a country that claims to love animals.
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Despite the efforts of animal rescue foundations across Poland, activists argue that their work only scratches the surface of a much larger problem. Real change, they believe, can only come through legislative reform – the very goal pro-animal activists are fighting for.
Stop the Chains!
What does the "Stop Chains!" citizens' bill propose? Its authors outline several key measures, including:
- 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, restricting uncontrolled animal breeding, defining welfare conditions for kennels, requiring registration of breeding associations with the National Court Register (KRS), and banning the sale of pets via auctions or online platforms;
- Amendments to existing laws to define abuse as keeping animals in confinement, neglecting treatment, using electric or spiked collars, selling live fish for retail (except aquarium fish), and shipping live animals via postal or door-to-door delivery services.
The bill also introduces several additional measures, including:
- 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.
Where can the citizens' bill be signed?
At least 100,000 signatures are required to successfully submit the "Stop the Chains!" bill to the Sejm by 24 September 2024, and time is running out. The petition can be signed online via the Prawo dla Zwierząt website and at OTOZ Animals offices.
Source: Gazeta Wyborcza
