Animal rights activists to protest Ministry of Agriculture in Warsaw

Animal rights activists are organizing a protest titled ‘Nie dla klatek’ (No to cages) in Warsaw on October 4. The demonstration will take place in front of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development at 1:00 PM to oppose proposed regulations regarding the housing of dogs.

The controversy stems from a draft regulation by the Ministry that seeks to establish minimum space requirements for dogs kept in enclosures. The proposal suggests enclosure sizes ranging from 4 to 10 square meters based on the dog's height. Activists, including the Ex Lege Foundation for the Protection of Animal Rights, argue these spaces are insufficient and effectively replace chains with cramped cages.

High-profile supporters of the protest include singer Dorota ‘Doda’ Rabczewska and ethics professor Magdalena Środa. The protest coincides with World Animal Day. While an amendment to the animal protection law was passed in July to ban keeping dogs and cats on leashes, the new regulations regarding enclosures are not set to take effect until July 28, 2027.