Poland Enacts National Ban on Fur Farming, Operations to Cease by 2033

Poland has enacted a nationwide ban on fur farming, with existing operations required to cease by 2033 and no new facilities allowed to be established. The legislation, signed into law by President Karol Nawrocki, positions Poland as the 24th European country to end fur farming. The bill, submitted by MP Małgorzata Tracz in cooperation with animal protection organisations, includes financial provisions for affected workers and aims to transition them to other industries.

Viva! Poland, which has campaigned against fur farming for over two decades, played a significant role in advocating for the ban. The organisation documented welfare violations on Polish fur farms and lobbied politicians to support the bill. Poland's decision puts pressure on the European Commission to respond to the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative, which calls for a bloc-wide ban on fur farming within the EU.

The ban marks a significant step towards ending the inhumane practice of fur farming in Poland and represents a victory for animal welfare advocates. With 68.2% of respondents in a recent poll supporting a ban, public sentiment has played a role in shaping policy towards the phasing out of fur farming in the country.