The President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki today announced his decisions regarding two important animal protection laws. In a special video released on platform X (formerly Twitter), the head of state informed of the signing of a bill banning animal breeding on fur, while at the same time vetoing the so-called chain bill that was to ban dogs from being trapped. These decisions sparked mixed reactions in society, from the enthusiasm of animal rights defenders to criticism from some agricultural and political backgrounds.
Decisions of the President: Signature under the Breeding Ban on Fur
In his statement, President Nawrocki stressed that he was not avoiding difficult decisions, but was guided by what he felt was right. "The President is not from making easy decisions. It is from making the right decisions," he stated, referring to both laws. In the case of the Animal Breeding Act for fur, also known as the "fur law", the President decided to sign it. As he explained, the facts are clear: more than two thirds of Poles, including villagers, support the ban on breeding animals for fur. "This voice cannot be ignored," Nawrocki added, specifically addressing farmers and rural residents.
This law introduces a gradual ban on fur animals such as foxes or mink, with a transitional period to minimise losses to the industry. The president argued that this decision ends an age of suffering for millions of animals and fits into society's expectations. Activists from organisations like Open Cages welcomed this decision with enthusiasm. On platform X, Marta Korzyk of Open Cages wrote: "Mr. President, this is a crucial moment, and I am delighted that you are moving into history as a president who ended the suffering of millions of animals and listened to the voice of society. With all my heart – thank you and great respect!"
Veto for Chain Act and Presentation of Own Project
However, not all the President's decisions were approved. Nawrocki vetoed the so-called chain bill, which was supposed to ban dogs from being trapped, considering it to be wrongly constructed. In his justification, he stressed that although the intention to protect animals is right, the bill could have hit the interests of farmers and rural residents without providing appropriate transitional arrangements. "The Chain Act is an example of how good intentions can lead to bad effects," explained the President. At the same time, he announced his own draft law on this matter, which is to better balance animal protection with the needs of rural communities.
Political and Social Reactions
President's decisions quickly became a topic of discussion in the media and on social platforms. Luke Bok, a well - known political commentator, concluded at X: "President Karol Nawrocki signed a bill to ban animal husbandry on fur. At the same time, he reported that he vetoed the bill to ban dogs from being trapped. The President stressed that he was making his bill in this matter." Reactions were divided – supporters of the fur ban praised the President for listening to the voice of the public, while critics of veto against the chain bill accused him of having no consequences in protecting animals.
In a broader context, this is yet another veto by President Nawrocki in his short term. Earlier, he vetoed, among others, the cryptocurrency Act, arguing a threat to citizens' freedom. Citizens' Coalition politicians criticize the president for abuse of veto rights, comparing his actions to his predecessors. MP Zbigniew Konwiński wrote on X: "Nawrocki claims that 'veto is not a tool for destruction, but for responsible state cooperation'. Kwasniewski 120 months and 35 wet. Nawrocki 4 months and 16 wet. A new definition of 'responsible cooperation'."
Background and the Future
The fur bill was long awaited by animal organisations and has broad public support. Its signing marks the end of the controversial industry in Poland, although critics indicate that fur production can move to countries with lower standards, such as Ukraine and China. In turn, the veto of the chain bill opens the way for a debate on a new presidential project that is to better address problems.
President Nawrocki's decisions highlight the tension between animal protection and economic interests. As the reactions to X and in the media have shown, this topic divides society, but at the same time shows the growing importance of animal rights in the Polish public discourse. The future will show whether the presidential draft chain bill will gain support in the Sejm and whether it will end the controversy surrounding these issues.
