Podhale local governments condemn DIOZ activist protests

Local governments in the Podhale region, including the councils of Zakopane, Bukowina Tatrzańska, Poronin, Kościelisko, Biały Dunajec, and the Tatra County, have unanimously passed resolutions condemning the actions of the Lower Silesian Animal Protection Inspectorate (DIOZ).

The resolutions respond to what officials describe as an unprecedented wave of hate, aggression, and media attacks directed at local residents, their traditions, and their way of life. These tensions stem from August protests by DIOZ activists on the road to Morskie Oko, where demonstrators blocked traffic to protest the use of horses for tourist transport and demanded the use of electric vehicles instead.

Law enforcement has become involved in the dispute; Zakopane police are currently handling 71 cases involving 118 offenses related to the pickets. Additionally, prosecutors are conducting proceedings against representatives of the animal rights organization. Zakopane officials stated they do not tolerate the replacement of substantive public dialogue with vulgarity, slander, and attempts to intimidate public officials.