[Do veterinarians have obligations (author's transl)].

In a brief introductory part the reasons are stated for which reflection on the ethics of livestock husbandry and veterinary medicine is necessary today. A sharp distinction should be made between facts and standards. The veterinarian has a considerable responsibility in defining the attitude of man towards animals. In addition to consultative curative work, the possibilities of prevention require and active approach. As regards the mainly surgical procedures, the opinion or attitude of the veterinarian will have to be determined by his view (a common view of possible) of his responsibility to himself, the owner of the animal and the animal as an individual or species. Because of longterm effects, equal importance should be attached to these three approaches.