Polish University Lecturer Indicted for Classroom Killing of Carp

A Polish university lecturer and veterinarian has been indicted for causing suffering to carp during a practical class by failing to stun the animals before killing them in front of students. The incident, which occurred during a university session, has led to charges of animal cruelty under Polish law. The lecturer allegedly killed the carp without using any stunning method, violating both Polish animal protection regulations and broader European standards. The case gained attention after a video recorded by a student was made public by the animal rights group Viva!, prompting an investigation into the treatment of the carp.

Animal protection advocates in Poland have welcomed the indictment as a step towards recognizing the sentience of aquatic animals and the need for their legal protection. The university's internal investigation initially found no issues with the lecturer's behavior, leading to controversy. The student who recorded the incident faced threats and was eventually removed from the list of students after failing an exam. The University of Agriculture in Kraków, where the incidents occurred, has stated that the indictment is just the beginning, and there is no court verdict yet.