Poland bans fur farms

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a law banning fur farms, PAP reports.

The document provides for a complete ban on the breeding and raising of fur animals in Poland, with the exception of rabbits, from the moment the law enters into force – 14 days after its publication.

Commenting on the law, Nawrocki said that more than two-thirds of Poles, including rural residents, support a ban on fur farming.

Entrepreneurs who own fur farms in Poland will be required to cease their activities by the end of 2033. In the event of early cessation of activity, they will be able to claim compensation for losses from the state.

Entrepreneurs who cease their activities by January 1, 2027, will be able to apply for compensation equal to 25% of the average annual income from 2020 to 2024. The amount of compensation will decrease by 5% each subsequent year, to 5% for those who cease operations by January 1, 2031. Closing a business after this date will deprive them of the right to apply for compensation.

In the event of a penalty for violating the ban, the court may issue a decision prohibiting the keeping of any animals or a certain category of animals for a period of one to five years.

According to official data, Poland is the second largest fur producer in the world and the first in the European Union: in 2024, it exported about 1.8 million skins. In recent years, the country’s fur industry has been declining.

Tags: Poland, fur