The Sejm voted to ban animal breeding on fur – the bill will now go to the Senate and to the president's signature. We are facing the final stage, which can forever change the Polish fur industry.
Prohibition of breeding animals for fur: What will change?
The ban on fur farming supported as many as 339 Members, with only 78 votes against and 19 abstentions. The Act excludes only rabbits from the absolute prohibition and introduces a timetable for the extinction of fur farms. Entrepreneurs have until the end of 2033 to close their farms, and those who end their business faster, by 2031, can count on higher compensation. The Act provides for a system of compensation for breeders, depending on the date on which the activity ends.
Arguments in favour of banning the breeding of fur animals
The decision to ban was based on several key grounds:
- Protect animal welfare and eliminate suffering in breeding.
- Social support – over 70% Poles support the ban on breeding animals for fur.
- Environmental and social benefits for rural residents.
- Changing fashion trends: synthetic furs and other alternatives are increasingly popular.
Voting and political divisions
Members of KO, PiS, PSL, Poland 2050 and the Left voted for the bill. The representatives of the Confederation and some of the PSL MPs were opposed, among others. In the course of the parliamentary work, there were arguments that the production of furs is no longer a "first-use product" and can be considered a fanatic at the expense of animal suffering.
What's next with the bill? Legislative steps
After voting in the Sejm, the bill goes to the Senate. If the Senate accepts it and the president signs it, it'll come into force in the coming months. The legislative map is simple:
- Voting in the Senate.
- The president's signature.
- Publication in the Official Journal of the Laws – the Act will apply after 14 days.
Possible scenarios for the fur industry
Fur farms, once a powerful sector in Europe, have eight years to complete. For entrepreneurs it is time to transform business, change production profile or look for new solutions. This is the new reality for the industry, which had a huge impact on exports a decade ago.
Who will gain, who will lose?
Assumptions of the Act on the Prohibition of Animal Breeding on Furs:
| Group | Impact of the Act | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Breeders | Termination of farms by 2033 | Compensation for faster closure |
| Residents | Improving living and the environment | Less nuisance, less conflict |
| Consumers | Increasing the availability of alternatives | Development of synthetic fur |
| Animals | End of fur farming | Limiting suffering |
Civilization signal
The new bill is not just a political or economic matter. It is a signal that Poland follows the trend of civilization, in which animal welfare and new ethical values gain in importance. In the industry, over the years there has been a great deal – a large part of society did not accept fur farming, and changes at international level accelerated decision making in Poland.Now everything depends on the upcoming votes in the Senate and the President's decision.
An example from Europe
Poland has just joined more than 20 countries that have introduced similar restrictions (e.g. Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands), showing that it is possible to reconcile animal protection with support for entrepreneurs.
The Sejm's decision to ban animal husbandry on fur is a historic step, supported by most citizens and a broad political coalition. Although the fur industry will disappear, breeders will receive support for the transformation of business and Poland will start writing a new chapter in animal protection standards.
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