Why were rabbits excluded from the ban on fur farming?
The amendment to the Animal Protection Act of 17 October 2025 is one of the most significant steps in the history of animal protection in Poland. It introduces a ban on the commercial keeping and breeding of fur animals. Importantly, the law prohibits not only the production of fur but also the use of other animal parts — effectively preventing the breeding of these species for meat. This is a chance to change the lives of around three million animals every year.
On 29 October, the Senate adopted the fur‑farming ban with 69 votes in favour and 15 against.
We Support the Direction of Change
The Mushika Foundation supports this law and considers it a major step forward in building a more ethical system of animal protection. It is important that the new regulations do not stop at the ban itself — they also include a transition period,compensation for farmers and severance pay for farm workers. This shows that it is possible to protect animals in a way that is responsible toward people and the economy.
Why Rabbits Were Excluded
Rabbits were exempted from the ban on keeping and breeding. Although — like minks, foxes and chinchillas — they suffer in industrial farming conditions, their situation is more complex.
In Poland, rabbits are bred mainly for meat and export, and only to a small extent for fur. According to estimates, around two million rabbits are kept in such facilities each year (Compassion in World Farming, 2024). Including rabbits in the ban — both for fur and for other animal parts — would require political agreement that, unfortunately, does not currently exist in Poland.
On 28 October, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development met to discuss the bill. The Committee proposed several amendments, but none concerned including rabbits in the ban.
The Mushika Foundation’s Appeal to the Senate
In our position submitted to the Senate of the Republic of Poland, we asked senators to consider introducing an amendment that would extend the ban to include rabbits — at least in the context of fur production, if a full ban is not politically feasible. We do not question the value of the law. On the contrary, we consider it a breakthrough step toward improving animal welfare in Poland.
Our goal is to highlight that no species experiencing suffering in farming systems should be left out of the process of change.
A Step Toward a Better Future for Animals
The amendment to the Animal Protection Act of 17 October 2025 shows that Poland is taking the issue of ethical farming and animal welfare seriously. If the regulations come into force, they will end one of the most controversial sectors of the industry — fur‑animal farming.
This is real change for millions of beings, and proof that science, empathy and social responsibility can move in the same direction.
Rabbits were not included in the ban on keeping and breeding in this law, but they have not been forgotten. The Mushika Foundation will continue to remind policymakers that respect knows no species, and every change that reduces suffering matters.
Source:
Report “Investigation of Rabbit Farms in the EU 2024,” Compassion in World Farming, available online sledztwo-na-fermach-krolikow-w-ue-raport-compassion-in-world-farming-polska-2024.pdf