Pony and pigeons left in hot car — owner detained

13 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A pony in car and two pigeons were found in a hot Hyundai in Warsaw’s Wola. The owner faces investigation for animal cruelty.

A pony in car and two pigeons sparked a police response on 12 June in Warsaw’s Wola district. Witnesses found the animals inside a small Hyundai Getz parked on Kolejowa Street and called for help.

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Pony in car: what happened

Passersby discovered a pony in the car trunk at about 15:40. The animal showed stress and could not leave the vehicle. Witnesses also found two pigeons under the seats in poor condition. Consequently, bystanders gave the pony water and alerted authorities. Moreover, people smashed or noted a broken rear window on the right side. The owner later claimed he broke the glass after locking keys inside. However, witnesses said the man was away from the vehicle for hours.

Police, NGOs and legal context

Police arrived after 18:00 and secured the scene. An eco-patrol from the municipal guard and an inspector from OTOZ Animals also attended. Therefore, officials began a criminal inquiry into suspected animal cruelty. Investigators photographed the car and examined the animals. Officers asked witnesses to give statements that same day. In addition, the municipal eco-patrol took custody of the pigeons. They planned to move the birds to a bird rescue at Warsaw Zoo. Meanwhile, the man returned with the pony and behaved inconsistently. He alternately offered the animal to rescuers and then took back the lead. Subsequently, he signed documents and later spoke about reclaiming the pony in a month.

Why this matters to residents and expats

The case matters for public safety and animal welfare. Leaving animals in hot cars poses real risks, including heatstroke and death. Also, animal cruelty can lead to criminal charges under Polish law. Authorities may impose fines, order confiscation of animals, or press criminal charges. Note: a “mandat” means a fine, PESEL is a national ID number, ZUS manages social insurance, and NFZ runs public health insurance. For foreigners, the police handle criminal matters while the municipal guard enforces local rules. OTOZ Animals is a Polish NGO that helps enforce animal protection and assists courts with evidence.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you see an animal trapped in a vehicle, call 112 immediately in an emergency. For non-emergency help in Warsaw, contact the municipal guard at 986 or local police at 997. Document the scene with photos, note the vehicle registration, and speak calmly to witnesses. NGOs like OTOZ Animals can advise on custody options. Also, keep in mind how Polish administration works: PESEL is a national ID number, ZUS is social insurance, NFZ is the public health insurer, and a “mandat” refers to a fine.

Witnesses said the episode upset many people nearby. Consequently, police detained the owner while they determine how long the animals stayed in the car. The investigation will establish responsibilities and possible charges. Therefore, residents and expats should treat animals left alone in vehicles as emergencies.

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