Member society profile: Poland’s Animals’ Guard
Intervention Patrol of Animal Welfare Association in Poland (Stowarzyszenie Opieki nad Zwierzetami w Polsce) was established by Mateusz Jakub Janda in October 2005. In December 2005 the Association created the first uniformed Animals’ Guard (Stra˙ z dla Zwierzat) in Warsaw.
The Animals’ Guard has, in a short period of time, achieved a great deal and gained a reputable profile in Poland. Obtaining funding mainly from membership fees and corporate or private donations, the founding members were made up of lawyers, economists, veterinary doctors and students.
How the guards work
Volunteer uniformed rangers investigate cases of neglect and abuse, calling for prosecutions where possible. All rangers undergo a three day training programme including negotiation techniques, animal first aid and animal handling.
There are nine branches throughout Poland with the intention of expanding these and building a shelter for farm animals as well as a veterinary clinic. Currently, animals receive immediate veterinary attention and shelter at the headquarters before adoption attempts are made.
The main functions and aims of the Animals’ Guard are to:
- take action for animal welfare by treating and protecting animals
- promote respect of animals
- promote environmental protection
- take action against animal abuse, defend animals and provide them with the necessary help
- propagate and promote animal rights.
Considerable time is also taken to rehome homeless dogs and cats as well as badly treated farm animals.
What the guards can do
The Animals’ Guard support the Police and City Guard to enforce animal welfare legislation and Animals’ Guard have been awarded the following powers:
- the right to investigate and reveal crimes and offences described in the Polish Animal Protection Act of August 21, 1997 and its amendments
- the right to execute the rights of the aggrieved party, that is – to act in court as an auxiliary prosecutor or a plaintiff
- can draw up a petition to take an animal away from its owner for a certain period of time, if the animal has been strikingly neglected or treated ruthlessly
- in cases of emergency, can take the animal away and at the same time inform the community head or the city mayor of this fact
- if there is the need to euthanase an animal immediately to stop it from suffering, have the right to take such a decision.
A dedicated team
The organisation is run by volunteers; people dedicated to caring for and protecting animals.
The rangers have to be prepared for everything and anything as every intervention brings with it new challenges.
They can be faced with dangerous situations and confrontational individuals. In one incident the Chief Commander of the Animals’ Guard, Mr Mateusz Jakub Janda, was attacked with a knife by an aggressive owner.
The huge number of reports the organisation receives since its creation, as well as the number of animals that have been rescued by the Animals’ Guard, highlights how important their work is.
Patrol Interwencyjny Stowarzyszenia Opieki nad Zwierzetami w Polsce
Website: www.strazdlazwierzat.com.pl
E-mail: zg@strazdlazwierzat.com.pl