Big news from Poland as the country has taken a decisive step for animal welfare: the Polish government has introduced a legal ban that effectively ends the practice of keeping dogs permanently on chains. This means that the long‑accepted image of dogs confined for life to a short tether, often in harsh weather and with limited social contact, is finally being consigned to history. It is a milestone that will significantly improve the daily lives of countless animals.
At the heart of this achievement stands Pro Animale and its long-running Kettenhundprogramm (Chain Dog Programme). For many years, Pro Animale has worked systematically to free so‑called “chain dogs” from permanent tethering, provide them with veterinary care, rehabilitation, and appropriate living conditions, and, where possible, place them into loving homes. The programme combines direct rescue work with education of dog owners, support for local communities, and sustained advocacy at the political level to change laws and enforcement practices.
Photo by freepik
The Kettenhundprogramm is remarkable not only for the number of dogs it has directly helped, but also for its holistic approach. Pro Animale teams document cases, collaborate with local authorities, invest in secure fencing and appropriate housing as alternatives to chains, and engage in dialogue with families to foster long-term change in attitudes. Their experience in the field has provided compelling evidence of the physical and psychological harm caused by chain keeping—evidence that has been crucial in shaping public debate and informing legislators.
The new legal framework in Poland is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents the culmination of years of persistent work. Dogs who were once forced to pace the same few metres of ground will gain the opportunity to move freely, interact with humans and other animals, and live in conditions that respect their basic needs. Poland’s decision sends a strong signal across Europe and beyond: systemic change for animals is possible when compassion is matched with expertise and perseverance.
We are celebrating this development with deep gratitude and admiration. Wolfgang and our team have followed Pro Animale’s efforts closely and have witnessed first-hand the commitment, resources, and resilience required to achieve such a breakthrough. This victory shows that when organisations, citizens, and policymakers work together, what once seemed entrenched can be transformed. One chain dog at a time, the world becomes a kinder place.
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