On March 2, 2026, a district court in Poznań delivered a non-final verdict in the case concerning the death of an ostrich named Zenek. The trial, which began in November 2025, addressed numerous charges against Łukasz Sz., including cruel treatment of animals and drug-related offenses. The incident occurred in January 2025 when Sz. attacked the ostrich at a local farm in Bolechówko, leading to the animal's eventual death due to injuries sustained during the assault.

The prosecution initially proposed a lighter sentence; however, the court decided on a more severe punishment reflecting the gravity of the offenses. Investigators uncovered that Sz. had brutally beaten and kicked Zenek, causing the ostrich to flee. Although Zenek returned to the enclosure the next day, the injuries proved too severe, resulting in the animal's death. In total, Sz. faced 21 charges, including animal cruelty and drug-related crimes involving distributing narcotics to minors.

Despite initially denying the allegations, Sz. later changed his statement and confessed to many of the charges, including the cruelty against Zenek. This case underscores the legal system's stance on animal rights and the seriousness of animal cruelty, particularly when compounded by other serious offenses, raising broader questions about protection for animals and accountability for individuals who harm them.