Animal welfare issues in Poland

The Polish Ethical Society has called for stricter laboratory animal welfare laws to reduce the suffering of approximately 300,000 animals used annually for scientific and educational purposes. The society submitted amendments to a Ministry of Science legislative update, arguing that the current draft fails to fully implement European Union directives, particularly regarding the mandatory use of alternative methods and the requirement to select procedures that cause the least amount of suffering.

Animal welfare organizations across Poland continue to launch initiatives to secure resources and volunteers. The Animals Have Rights Foundation is seeking nationwide volunteers for legal, veterinary, and communication tasks, such as grant writing and social media management. In Bielsko-Biała, the Municipal Shelter for Homeless Animals has initiated its “Winter in the Shelter” campaign, requesting high-quality pet food, blankets, towels, and cat litter, while advising against donating items like pillows or stuffed animals due to safety risks.

In the Wielkopolska region, the Veterans’ Corner Association is fundraising to build a new headquarters in Gierłatowo to provide retirement care for service animals, including police and military dogs and horses. Additionally, the association “Przytul Sierściucha” continues its appeal for adoptions to find permanent homes for current residents, following its announcement that it will stop accepting new animals on January 1, 2027, due to changing regulations.

Further support efforts include the Ursynów District Office in Warsaw, which has started its 16th annual “Alert for Animals” collection to support the Celestynów Shelter. Meanwhile, in Piotrków Trybunalski, educational programs were held during World Kindness Month to teach youth about responsible pet care and the realities of shelter work.