Poland will now ban the permanent chaining of dogs and cats.
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In an X post, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he had signed an amendment to the country’s Animal Protection Act after previously vetoing a similar bill.
Zawetowana w listopadzie 2025 r. ustawa łańcuchowa była źle przygotowana i przeregulowana, ponieważ nakładała na obywateli obowiązki, których wielu nie byłoby w stanie spełnić.
Dzisiaj otrzymujemy ustawę lepszą, z pozytywnym głosem takich podmiotów jak rolniczy samorząd.… pic.twitter.com/h7kIAI77KR
— Kancelaria Prezydenta RP (@prezydentpl) July 24, 2026
“It introduces a general ban on permanently keeping dogs on a tether and mandates ensuring the animal daily exercise, proper shelter, and dignified living conditions. At the same time, it removes absurd, rigid requirements and takes into account the realities of the work of farmers, breeders, services, shelters, and owners of herding dogs,” Nawrocki said.
Under the new law, dogs and cats may no longer be kept permanently chained. Instead, pets may be kept inside their homes, in a fenced garden, or in a kennel, provided the space is large enough to allow for their daily movement and overall welfare.
The current law allows pets to be chained for up to 12 hours a day.
However, the new law includes several exemptions. Pets may still be chained during transport, veterinary treatment, or for a short period while they are outside their place of residence, provided their welfare is not compromised.
Moreover, dog and cat owners must ensure their pets’ overall welfare by providing a safe, well-ventilated, and spacious shelter that protects them from harsh weather conditions and other environmental hazards.
According to NFP, owners who violate the new law may be fined between 1,000 and 100,000 zloty (approximately ₱16,000 to over ₱1.6 million). Meanwhile, those found guilty of abusing their pets could face up to five years in prison.
The law will take effect 12 months after its publication.
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