2nd Rat Conference in Białoprądnicki Manor. About the difficult neighborhood of humans and rats

They are intelligent, social and sensitive, and yet their presence in cities most often arouses fear and resentment. Is it possible for humans and rats to coexist peacefully? How to resolve interspecies conflicts without giving up concern for the safety of residents and the welfare of animals? Already on October 18, 2026, we invite you to the Białoprądnicki Manor House for the second edition of the Rat Conference, during which we will examine these issues from the perspective of science, law, urban planning and animal protection.

Rats have lived right next to us for centuries, although we usually prefer not to notice them. They inhabit basements, canals, parks and housing estates, taking advantage of the conditions we create for them — easy access to food, waste, shelter and extensive underground infrastructure. However, when they become visible, words such as “plague”, “threat” or “combat” quickly appear in public spaces. We are much less likely to wonder why rats choose certain places and what influence their presence has on our daily decisions.

Relations between humans and rats have long been marked by conflict, anxiety and stereotypes. Meanwhile, effectively solving the problems associated with their presence in cities requires not only concern for the health and safety of residents, but also knowledge of the behavior of these animals, responsible spatial design and proper waste management. Is it possible to come up with solutions that do not just boil down to extermination?

Rats are also extremely intelligent and social animals. They can learn, collaborate, communicate with each other and create complex relationships. At the same time, they have been used for decades in laboratory research. Some of them, after the end of the experiences, get a chance for adoption and a new life under the care of a man.

During the 2nd Rat Conference we will look at these issues from many perspectives. We will talk about multi-species urban planning, the legal protection of rats, the boundaries between caring for public health and causing suffering, as well as the consequences of using popular methods of deratization. There will be topics related to veterinary medicine, rescue of laboratory rats, their adoption and the needs of animals in human care.

Among the speakers will be:

Robert Skrzypczyński, PhD — Office of Multispecies Urban Planning,

dr Karolina Kuszlewicz — Law Office on the Vistula,

Joanna Borowska — Lab Rescue Foundation — Adoptions of Laboratory Animals

drug. law. Karolina Ptak — Vetika Veterinary Clinic, Action for Wild Animals Foundation

Eda Kranc — Protopia Collective.

The conference will be an opportunity not only to gain knowledge, but also to reflect together on how to talk about conflicts between humans and animals without fueling fear and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The organizers do not promise simple answers. Instead, they want to create a space for open conversation about the responsible coexistence of different species.

Because rats were, are and probably will remain a part of our cities. So the question is not only how to limit the problems associated with their presence, but also what kind of neighbors we want to be — the people.

During the event, a coffee break is planned, and after the end of the conference part, the participants will have the opportunity to talk and network at a vegan catering prepared by DAMKA.

Practical information

Date: October 18, 2026 (Sunday)
Time: 12:00
Venue: Cultural Centre Dworek Białoprądnicki, 2 Papiernicza Street, Cracow
Registration: The list of participants is now closed.

Organizer: In the Name of Animals Foundation — https://wimiezwierzat.pl/
Partner: Dworek Białoprądnicki Cultural Centre

We would like to inform you that photos and videos will be taken during the conference, which can be used for informational and promotional purposes, including published on the websites and social media of the organizers. Detailed rules for the use of the image of the participants should be specified in the information provided by the organizer.