The Ombudsman for Animal Protection

The actual defenders of animal rights in Poland are mainly foundations and associations; the organisation of animal protection is largely grassroots, social and non-governmental. This fact arouses a lot of controversy, mainly because concrete actions are most often taken not by state authorities but by non-governmental institutions that have neither sufficient funds nor human resources for this purpose. The actions of state services, inspections and guards have been and still are assessed as insufficient, as a result of which the idea of establishing an Animal Ombudsman emerged. In March 2021, a bill authored by Left-wing MPs appeared in the Sejm, which concerns the independent institution of an Animal Ombudsman and proposes a systemic approach to the protection of the rights of farmed, wild and domestic animals. It is possible to act for animals in a formal, balanced and serious manner. There may indeed be a need for a specialised body that can consistently speak up for those who have no voice. However, as the research indicates, the main obstacle to improving animal welfare is a lack of political will.