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From chains to 4 m² kennels: row over Poland's new rules for dogs
The agriculture ministry has drafted minimum kennel sizes. Animal welfare groups warn dogs will get less space than they had on a chain.
Key facts
- Proposed minimums: 4 m² for a dog under 40 cm at the shoulder, 5 m² for 40–59 cm, 8 m² for 60–70 cm and 10 m² for dogs over 70 cm.
- Each additional dog in a kennel adds half the area required for the largest one.
- The chain ban, which outlaws keeping dogs tethered, takes effect on 28 July 2027.
- According to animal welfare groups, a chain of at least 3 m gave a dog about 28 m² of space.
What's next
- "In practice, instead of chains the ministry wants to lock dogs in very small cages," says Anna Zielińska, head of the Viva! Foundation.
- Public consultation on the draft runs until 7 October. The ministry says it is open to changes.
Source: Agriculture ministry draft regulation, Bankier.pl (4 Oct 2026)