The history of legal protection of animals in Poland dates back to the early 20th century. The legal solutions adopted at that time in the form of regulations of the President of the Republic of Poland and acts of the Parliament were in force for decades. The turn of the 20th century brought some dramatic changes in this regard. Parliamentary acts, both newly passed and amended, harmonised Polish law with European standards; many legal acts have been passed in Poland since 1 May 2004 which were adopted throughout the European Union. The most important legal act which protectanimals against suffering inflicted by humans is the Animal Protection Act of 1997. The Act, amended many times, together with the law of 2015, which protects laboratory animals, laid thegrounds for legal and administrative actions against people who violate its provisions. This law isamended in line with scientific findings regarding the feeling of pain by animals. This paper analyses the flaws in the current laws from a veterinary surgeon standpoint