Świnoujście Cemetery Animal Ban Challenged in Court

The Polish Ombudsman (Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich) filed a complaint with the Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny in Szczecin, arguing that Świnoujście’s regulation prohibiting the entry of domestic animals – except guide dogs – onto municipal cemetery grounds conflicts with the Local Government Act and the Cleanliness and Order Act.

During an extraordinary session, the Świnoujście City Council rejected a proposal to repeal the ban, leaving the rule in force while the court reviews its legality. The decision may be appealed to the Naczelny Sąd Administracyjny after the regional court issues its judgment.