[REVISION HISTORY]

Animal cruelty investigation at ZOO Łączna

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-26 02:02 UTC → 2026-10-27 15:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Authorities in Poland launched an investigation into the private ZOO Łączna in Mieroszów following allegations of animal cruelty and neglect. Prosecutors and police conducted raids, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including the owner, Marcin Nowaczyk. Investigators alleged that 561 animals suffered due to inadequate food, improper veterinary care, and unsuitable living conditions. During the initial intervention, 33 animals, including a Bengal tiger, were relocated to facilities in Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Following a court ruling that denied the prosecutor’s request for the temporary arrest of Marcin Nowaczyk, the court instead imposed police supervision, a 50,000 PLN bail, a travel ban, and prohibited Nowaczyk from entering the premises or contacting staff. Consequently, the prosecutor’s office announced that its activities regarding the facility had concluded, allowing employees to return to work. While earlier plans involved evacuating all animals, the remaining 640 animals will stay at the zoo after animal welfare foundations withdrew from the relocation process due to concerns over long-term care. Authorities have denied rumors regarding animal deaths during the initial police intervention. The situation has since escalated. A police officer, Katarzyna S., has been charged with obstruction of justice after a recorded phone call revealed she warned a zoo representative about an upcoming intervention; she has since been suspended and placed under police supervision. Additionally, animal welfare expert Dr. Marta Zając-Ossowska, who had been temporarily assigned to manage animal care, announced her resignation, citing a lack of legal clarity and the failure of authorities to formalize her status. In a recent development, the District Prosecutor's Office in Świdnica decided that over 700 animals will remain under the care of the facility's existing staff.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.