The president signed the bill. Poland begins phasing out fur farming.

On December 2, 2025, the President of Poland signed the Act of November 7, 2025, amending the Animal Protection Act, introducing a ban on the commercial farming of fur animals, with the exception of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This decision concludes a long legislative process and opens the way for the gradual phase-out of the fur industry in Poland.

Act officially adopted

The new regulations prohibit the breeding and keeping of fur animals for the purpose of obtaining fur or other animal parts. Farms operating on the day the Act comes into force may continue until December 31, 2033, under transitional provisions. After this date, fur farming in Poland will cease to exist.

The gradual phase-out allows the industry and its workers to adapt to the changes. Higher compensation will be granted to those who close their farms earlier, providing an incentive for a faster transition.

This marks the end of a long-standing social dispute and simultaneously addresses numerous problems reported by residents of municipalities affected by the presence of fur farms.

Mushika present at every stage of the process

The Mushika Foundation actively participated in the legislative process by submitting opinions:

• Before the first reading – position to the Extraordinary Commission for Animal Protection, Polish Parliament (Sejm)
• To the Senate – position to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Before the President’s decision – position to the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland

Our activities focused on two main goals: supporting the ban itself and ensuring a fair transition, while highlighting that rabbits—even though excluded—also require protection from industrial farming conditions. Unfortunately, according to the Act, rabbits remain exempt from the ban. The reasons for this were discussed in a separate article.

The Act protects not only animals but also people

The Act was designed to also protect people involved in the industry: farmers and employees who have operated legally for years. A package of measures was introduced to mitigate the effects of the transition:

• Over eight-year transitional period – time for the planned closure of farms and transformation of activities.
• Compensation system for farmers (25%–5% of average annual income from 2020–2024) – higher compensation for those who close farms earlier.
• Facilitations in changing the business profile – farmers can switch to other agricultural production without needing a new environmental permit.
• 12-month severance for employees – fully reimbursed by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), to support people losing employment in the sector.

This is an example of a socially responsible transition – combining animal protection with safeguards for people working in the sector.

Why this is a breakthrough

Fur animal farming has long raised ethical, environmental, and health concerns. Animals confined in cages suffered physically and mentally, while farms created significant inconveniences for local residents and risks for ecosystems.

The President’s signature marks the end of a long-standing era and a clear step toward a more responsible approach to animal welfare, environmental impact, and local community life.

What’s next

The Act will enter into force 14 days after its announcement. The coming years will be crucial for the phase-out of farms and the proper implementation of protective measures. The Mushika Foundation will monitor this process, draw attention to potential gaps, and ensure that the transition proceeds as intended – benefiting animals, people, and the environment.