[Veterinary medicine and prevention of cruelty to animals: a paradox?].

The fact that veterinary medicine is associated with the protection of the welfare of animals in intensive live-stock farming is increasingly coming to be regarded as not being an inconsistency. The veterinarian has various responsibilities in this regard, to the stock farmer who has to make money out of his animals but whose goodwill in society will also depend on the welfare of the animals, and, finally, to the other members of his profession and himself. When the housing of the animals is altered, stock farmers will require some support. However, an increase in costs and a possible decline in competetive position should not be allowed to stand in the way of essential improvements.