Who Helps Injured Wild Animals? RDOŚ Explains

23 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

RDOŚ says municipalities handle helping injured wild animals and organise transport to rehabilitation centres across Lublin Voivodeship.

Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) in Lublin clarified who must act when you find a hurt wild animal. It stressed that helping injured wild animals falls to the municipality where the animal was found.

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Local governments must act first

RDOŚ reminded residents that the legal duty to intervene rests with the gmina or city office. Consequently the local authority must organise care and transport for the animal. Moreover the municipality should have contracts with carriers and rehab centres. Therefore local services include municipal offices, city guard or police. However the exact arrangements differ between towns. As a result some municipalities contract private rescuers. In addition some larger communes use park or forestry services.

Who is responsible for helping injured wild animals

The institution in charge will usually be the town or gmina office. Consequently you should contact that office first. Moreover you may call the city guard or police for immediate help. If the animal lies on a road, secure the site and warn other drivers. For example place a reflective triangle or turn on hazard lights. Furthermore drivers who hit wild animals must, where possible, help the animal. In addition the law names possible contacts: a veterinarian, the police, city guard, Forest Guard or State Hunting Guard.

How the system works in Lublin region

Lubelszczyzna hosts several rehabilitation centres. For instance Skrzynice Drugie hosts Stowarzyszenie Leśne Przytulisko. Consequently they treat hedgehogs, moose, deer, wild boar, bats, waterfowl and birds of prey. Moreover Poleski National Park runs centres in Załucze Stare and Zawadówka. Therefore they accept reptiles, birds and larger mammals like otters and deer. In addition Kozubszczyzna near Lublin houses Szansa dla Bociana. They focus on white and black storks. Meanwhile Lublin itself now has Fundacja “Na skraju lasu” helping wild birds and pigeons.

These centres accept animals around the clock. However they run on donations and volunteers. As a result they often need food, medicine and equipment. Therefore following their social posts helps. Moreover even small donations make a difference.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you find a wounded wild animal in Poland, call the local gmina or city office, city guard (straż miejska), or police. In Polish law a gmina equals a municipality. Also note that institutions like ZUS (social insurance), NFZ (public health insurer) or PESEL (national ID number) matter for residents, but not for animal rescue. Therefore carry your phone and a translation app to help you speak with officials.

Practical steps matter. First ensure your safety. Then call the municipality, city guard, or police. Next provide the exact location and describe the animal. If safe, keep people and pets away until help arrives. Moreover try not to touch the animal. Finally follow up with the local rehab centre if you can.

Local rules vary because no single law sets all cooperation details. Consequently contact your local office to learn procedures. In addition keep numbers of nearby rehab centres saved. That helps in emergencies.

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