Poland to tighten up animal rights legislation

photo - Pawel Kula

Held under the slogan, “Animals ask for a vote in favour,” the march is meant to encourage MPs to endorse the act on its second reading. A vote on the amendment is to take place tomorrow afternoon.

"We will do everything in our power to have this law passed by parliament by the end of this term, as this is a ground-breaking bill,” Civic Platform MP Michał Szczerba told Polish Radio.

“We seek to increase penalties for the degenerates charged with animal cruelty,” he added.

The amendment stipulates that local government must take more responsibility for stray animals, and demands an improvement in living conditions of farm animals.

The new law would also ban the trimming of dogs’ ears and tails – a fashion with some pet owners - and set specific requirements in water tank conditions for fish for sale. (ab/pg)