The head of the Sońsk municipality, Jarosław Muchowski, has announced a new program designed to enhance the welfare of stray dogs through financial incentives for adoption. The initiative, known as 'Becikowe na 4 łapy' ("Birth Grant for Four Paws"), will commence on March 1 and aims to support dogs currently housed in local shelters, with approximately 230 dogs available for adoption at the shelter in Pawłów. This program arises from a recognition of the ongoing need for systematic solutions to address the challenges posed by homeless animals in the region.

The financial assistance of 1500 zł will be available to any Polish citizen who signs an adoption agreement for a dog that has been rescued from the Sońsk area. The municipality hopes that this grant will not only promote adoption but also encourage responsible pet ownership among the residents. Muchowski emphasized the importance of exploring different approaches and acknowledged that while no program may be perfect, active attempts to implement such initiatives are necessary to gauge their effectiveness in improving the situation for stray animals.

This decision reflects a growing awareness in Poland about animal welfare and the responsibilities of local governments to address stray animal populations. By incentivizing adoptions, the Sońsk municipality aims to reduce the number of stray dogs while also fostering a sense of community and care for these animals. If successful, such programs could serve as a model for other municipalities in Poland grappling with similar issues involving stray animals and public safety, potentially influencing broader policies on animal welfare throughout the country.