A Safe Home and Justice for Animals in Poland

Over the past six months, our team at the Vet-Alert Foundation has focused intensely on advocacy work to create systemic change for animals in Poland. Thanks to the continued support of our donors, we have made significant changes in both legal advocacy and our ongoing facility renovations.

1. Advocacy for Rabies Vaccination Law Reform

Recently our main efforts have been devoted to advocating for changes in Poland’s law requiring annual rabies vaccinations for dogs. We prepared a national petition, and over 25,000 people have signed to support this important cause.

We have submitted formal requests and proposals to both the Senate and the President, advocating for a law that is more rational, science-based, and aligned with international standards. On March 19, we will present the petition to the Polish Parliament (Sejm).

2. Legal Victory for Charitable Veterinary Care

In January, we won a case at the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) regarding charitable veterinary care. However, the case has now returned to the Regional Administrative Court (WSA), and we continue to fight to secure the right to provide veterinary care to animals whose owners cannot afford veterinary services.

This ongoing legal work is crucial not only for our foundation, but for thousands of animals in need of non-profit assistance across the country.

3. Headquarters Renovation Update

Regarding our facility renovations, we have completed the insulation of the attic, bringing us closer to a fully functional safe shelter for animals. However, we had to pause further work due to tough winter conditions. Renovations will resume as soon as the weather betters, ensuring that the shelter remains safe and comfortable for rescued animals.

The past six months have shown the both aspects of our work: direct legal steps taken in order to better the lives of animals in all Poland, as well as continuous improvement in creating a safe, long-lasting shelter for animals in need.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which enables us to fight for systemic change while providing care and protection to animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Thank you for standing with us.

Links:

• Petition - Rabies Vaccination Reform
• Charitable Veterinary Care - Legal Updates
• WSA Court Hearing - Video

Over the past quarter, our team at the Vet-Alert Foundation has remained deeply committed to creating real, lasting change for animals in need. We are pleased to share the progress we have made thanks to the continued support of our donors.

1. Construction of a Safe Animal Care Center

We have been intensively continuing the renovation of our headquarters, which will soon become a safe intervention center for animals who are abused, neglected, or in urgent need of veterinary care. The renovation is progressing steadily, with several new rooms already prepared for future use.

Importantly, the new space will also allow us to expand our mission beyond rescue and medical care.
We will be able to host educational and informational programs for pet guardians, offering workshops, consultations, and awareness activities that promote responsible animal care and welfare.

This dual purpose — direct help and community education — is a key step toward creating long-term, systemic improvements for animals in Poland.

2. Legal Battle for Charitable Veterinary Care

We continue our legal fight for the right to provide charitable veterinary care in our own clinic. Our foundation’s veterinary facility was removed from the official registry solely because we supported animals in need without charging for our services.

We are currently fighting this decision in court. Securing legal recognition of charitable veterinary care is essential not only for our work, but for thousands of animals who rely on nonprofit assistance across the country.

3. National Petition: Extending Rabies Vaccination Validity

In response to widespread public concern and emerging scientific data, we prepared and launched a national petition calling for an extension of the mandatory rabies vaccination interval in Poland — from one year to three years, in line with international standards.

The petition was officially submitted to both the Polish Parliament (Sejm) and the Senate.
To date, over 18.500 people have signed in support.

This initiative is an important step toward more rational, science-based vaccination policies that better reflect modern veterinary knowledge and improve animal welfare.

4. Defending the Foundation Against SLAPP

Unfortunately, our progress continues to be hindered by targeted actions from the President of the West Pomeranian Chamber of Veterinary Medicine. We are currently facing numerous SLAPP-type proceedings — including dozens of lawsuits, disciplinary investigations, inspections, and other forms of procedural pressure.

These actions do not relate to any wrongdoing on our part. Instead, they appear intended to silence our public-interest work, obstruct our mission, and discourage us from speaking out about systemic issues in the veterinary sector.

Despite this pressure, we remain steadfast. We continue to defend ourselves in court and remain fully committed to transparency, public service, and protecting animals.

Closing Thoughts: Your support has helped us persevere through a uniquely challenging period. Thanks to you, we are building a safe center for animals, educating the public, fighting for fair veterinary laws, and protecting the rights of organizations working for animal welfare.

We still have a long road ahead — but with your partnership, every step brings us closer to creating a safer, more just world for animals in Poland.

Thank you for standing with us.

Links:

• Petition
• Calendar of activities regarding the petition