Speaking to reporters at a meeting of EU agriculture ministers, he confirmed that inspections will now take place quarterly, up from twice a year, to ensure that facilities meet their obligations and maintain proper animal welfare standards.
Krajewski added that while the Chief Veterinary Officer and regional veterinary officers have changed, the primary goal remains monitoring and safeguarding animal welfare.
“Decisions to conduct audits and increase inspection frequency were made earlier, but we are also mindful of the many challenges faced by county and regional veterinary officers,” he said.
Increased animal shelter inspections across Poland amid welfare concerns
The move comes after media reports of alleged abuse at a shelter in Bytom, southern Poland, which drew national attention after popular Polish singer Dorota “Doda” Rabczewska highlighted the plight of animals suffering in the cold.
Veterinary inspectors have since conducted over 200 unannounced visits across Poland, identifying violations in several facilities, including the Happy Dog shelter in Sobolew, central Poland.
Allegations against the shelter’s owner first emerged seven years ago, reported by former volunteers, but were reportedly ignored by the local mayor at the time.
The situation was only fully addressed when the issue gained national attention due to Doda’s intervention, as well as the involvement of other public figures, including influencer Małgorzata Rozenek-Majdan and left-wing politician Łukasz Litewka, leading the County Veterinary Officer to close the shelter and prompting action from Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Małgorzata Rozenek-Majdan, Sobolew, central Poland, 24 January, 2026. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
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Source: Polish Radio English Service/PAP