The audits, led by Chief Veterinary Officer Paweł Meyer, covered 368 shelters and assessed living conditions for animals, particularly in light of approaching winter weather.
Four shelters have already received official decisions, and a full audit of all facilities across the country is planned for later this year.
Crackdown on “patoshelters” in Poland
Authorities emphasised that animal welfare and proper treatment are a top priority, describing “patoshelters” as unacceptable.
Police interventions have increased, with 125 operations involving nearly 490 officers carried out since the start of the year.
Officials urged the public and organisations to report any suspected violations to veterinary authorities or the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
The move comes after media reports of abuse at several animal shelters, including in Bytom in southern Poland and Sobolew in the central part of the country, triggered national outrage, amplified by interventions from singer Dorota “Doda” Rabczewska and influencer Małgorzata Rozenek-Majdan.
The publicity prompted government action and led to intensified inspections, uncovering violations that in some cases had gone unresolved for years, including the closure of the Happy Dog shelter in Sobolew.
Polish pets to be microchipped and registered
A new national system will require all dogs to be microchipped and registered, with shelters integrated into the database.
Managed by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, the measure aims to improve owner accountability and reduce abandonment, while the registry for cats will remain voluntary.
Deputy ministers stressed that inspection findings will inform further recommendations and local government actions to ensure better oversight and animal welfare standards nationwide.
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Source: PAP/Polish Radio English Service