We operate in the field of animal protection and welfare improvement in Bielsko-Biała, directly assisting animals, conducting legal and educational activities, and advocating for systemic changes. The “Świat w Naszych Rękach” Foundation, which has been our partner and with which we work in Bielsko-Biała for the care of animals, is an expert in working with local authorities and developing systemic solutions in the field of animal protection. Their experience and knowledge were indispensable for the implementation of this project.

To the best of our knowledge, we have created the first local policy for the care of homeless animals based on expert diagnosis and social consultations in Poland. We have developed an animal care program and established the foundations for the Social Animal Care Council in Bielsko-Biała, which we hope will be established soon. We provided training for representatives of the police, municipal guards, prosecutors, courts, court guardians, the municipal shelter, and the local government on animal protection laws, the situation of animals in the city, and tools to prevent their harm. We have also prepared and published expert opinions on the intervention in rescuing animals and the situation of feral cats in the city. We organized open days at the municipal shelter, as well as informational and educational meetings that engage and encourage the local community to get involved in animal care and involve willing individuals in volunteering. By working in Bielsko-Biała, we have developed tools that can be utilized by other groups, organizations, or municipalities in Poland, so we hope that our project will be an important voice in improving the situation of animals nationwide.

According to the evaluation surveys, our training sessions have had a very positive impact on local animal protection efforts. Furthermore, after the open days at the shelters, there are more people interested in volunteering there.