By creating the new regulation, lawmakers decided to eliminate the inhumane trade in dogs and cats in random locations. The amendment to the Animal Protection Act, which came into force on January 1, 2012, prohibits selling and buying domestic animals at marketplaces, fairs and exchanges, as well as outside the places where they are kept or bred. Breeding dogs and cats for commercial purposes is also prohibited.
Animals may be acquired only from shelters and registered breeders—the only people authorized to breed animals for trade. “We will impose penalties for selling, not for giving away dogs or cats,” says Bolesławiec police spokesperson Anna Kubik-Rościszewska. “The former may result in arrest or a fine of PLN 20 to 500,” she adds.
The policewoman also emphasized that people who witness such trading are obliged to notify the police or municipal police.
“We patrol the marketplaces,” says Emil Zając, head of the Bolesławiec Municipal Police. “But so far there has been no problem with trading dogs or cats. At the marketplace popularly known as Manhattan, there was one woman who regularly brought puppies, but she has not been there for quite some time now.”
The amendment is intended to make the work of municipal police officers and police officers easier by giving them specific powers to protect the welfare of domestic animals. “It would be good if associations also helped us— they know the community better and have more information about who illegally breeds domestic animals for trade,” says the commander of the municipal police.
Some internet users ask what happens with online advertisements offering animals for sale. “Police officers who patrol websites may take an interest in people posting this type of advertisement,” the police spokesperson replies. “However, the basis for imposing a penalty is catching the person trading in the act.”
We invite you to discuss the amendment to the act on our forum.
(information: Grażyna Hanaf)