Eighty-four percent of Poles are in favour of more stringent laws against animal abuse, according to a survey by pollster CBOS.

On January 26, the Polish parliament adopted a bill on animal welfare proposed by the ruling Law and Justice party. Out of 409 deputies who turned up for the ballot, 406 voted in favour of the changes. Two MPs abstained.

The new regulations increase the maximum jail term for abusing and killing animals from two to three years, and raise the maximum prison sentence for cruelty to five years. The legislation also introduces a life ban on keeping animals when offenders are convicted of cruelty.

According to the CBOS study, 93 percent of respondents support the life ban, whereas 84 percent back longer prison sentences for those who abuse animals. Eleven percent oppose these changes.

Under the new regulations, transporting live fish requires that they are provided enough water to breathe freely. The law also bans the chaining up of dogs, and outlaws fur farms and the use of animals in circuses.

Ninety-three percent of those questioned were in favour of banning the transport of live fish without enough water. Sixty-five percent agreed with the ban on keeping dogs on a chain, while 59 percent supported the ban on fur farms.

Fewer respondents, 49 percent, supported a ban on using animals in circuses. Thirty-nine percent opposed the move. “The large proportion of opponents [to the ban] is likely down to the conviction that animals are treated well in circuses… rather than a liking for this form of entertainment,” CBOS said.

The study was carried out on a sample of 1,057 adults between February 1 and 8. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP