Polish President signs revised animal welfare law banning dog tethering

Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed into law a "chain law" that aims to improve animal welfare by prohibiting the permanent tethering of dogs. This marks the second attempt to enact such legislation, as Duda had previously vetoed a similar bill in December 2025, citing concerns that its provisions were unrealistic and poorly drafted.

During his previous veto, President Duda argued that the proposed enclosure sizes were "absurd" and would disproportionately affect farmers and rural households. He stated that "dead law is worse than no law" and that he would not endorse regulations that were impossible to enforce. The revised law, now passed by parliament, addresses these concerns while still implementing a general ban on constant tethering.

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The decision to refuse to sign this law forced the government and parliament to work better and led to the creation of more sensible, effective law that is closer to the daily lives of citizens.

The new legislation permits keeping dogs in enclosures under specific conditions. These include ensuring sufficient space for movement and natural functions, a stable structure, and at least two open sides for light and airflow. The Minister of Agriculture will issue further regulations detailing minimum enclosure sizes based on the dog's height, the number of dogs, and specific needs of nursing mothers and puppies.

Furthermore, the law mandates that dogs kept in enclosures must receive daily exercise outside the enclosure, tailored to their age, health, and species-specific needs. Owners must also provide a thermally insulated, weather-resistant kennel appropriate for the dog's size. These new provisions are set to come into effect 12 months after the law is officially published, allowing owners time to adapt.

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Today we receive a better law, with a positive vote from entities such as the agricultural self-government. It introduces a general ban on permanently tethering dogs and requires ensuring the animal daily movement, proper shelter, and decent living conditions. At the same time...