K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Battle Over Animal Rights Virtually Brings Down the Polish Authorities

October 7, 2020 from the In Fleum

"When the European Union condemned Poland’s authorities for demonizing gays and lesbians, the nation’s governing coalition defiantly stood collectively. When state media was accused of spreading hate speech that fueled violence, the governing events dismissed issues. And when protests erupted towards efforts to regulate the judicial system, they pressed forward regardless."

"Then got here the minks."

"Proposed laws that will ban the farming of minks, semiaquatic mammals prized for his or her fur, and put in place a spread of protections for different animals, opened deep divisions within the coalition that just about introduced down the federal government."

"It took the intervention of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the top of the dominant Legislation and Justice Get together, to quell the rebellion for now by taking up a proper position that allowed him to behave as a buffer between opposing factions."

"The invoice, which gained momentum after a documentary aired on Polish tv displaying minks residing in deplorable circumstances on one farm, has widespread public assist and the leaders of the nation’s foremost opposition social gathering assist the laws."

"However in championing animal rights, Mr. Kaczynski sees a chance."

"The problem additionally appears private for Mr. Kaczynski, who has lengthy been recognized for his affection for animals. When his beloved cat, Alik, died, it was nationwide information. The 71-year-old, who shuns practically all requests for interviews exterior of supportive media shops, even went on TikTok to put up a video promoting the #StopFurChallenge."

"Mr. Ziobro’s opposition to the ban on mink farming displays the trade’s deep roots in Poland. The nation is house to the most important mink farms left in Europe and the third largest on the planet. The invoice, which continues to be being debated, requires the fur farms to be closed in a yr."

"The legislation would additionally finish using wild animals in circuses, prohibit the tethering of canine on chains — a typical follow within the countryside — and prohibit the ritual slaughter of animals for meat."

"The invoice can also be opposed by the meat trade, which says its export enterprise to markets with halal and kosher necessities could be badly hit."

"Jacek Zarzycki, president of the Polish Affiliation of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers, stated that if the invoice had been handed, his members may lose 30 % of their earnings."