Current issues of animal welfare

The animal welfare is not yet a public affair in Hungary and according to the author's opinion that is its most current issue. Animal welfare is misinterpreted, it has only a moderate publicity, and the animal welfare law still does not exist. Higher activity of veterinarian is also required. The economical and political pressure subjecting the welfare workers have also been analyzed. Mental, ethical, economical, public health and political importance of animal welfare have been expressed and it has been thrown light on the backwardness from the European countries. Apparent contradiction between animal welfare and production of products of animal origin has been clarified together with the circle of animals to be protected. The author gave priority to solve the animal welfare problems of farm animals over to that of pets. That is not only owing to the much higher number of farm animals however because the farm animals are determined to serve the man with their products even at the moment of their birth while pets - except for a regrettable low percent of stray animals - receive particular care and attachment up to their natural death. The author has reported the horizontal (considering many animal species) and vertical regulations (considering a single animal species) of the European Union on the animal welfare together with their more important rules. The planned slow pace and manner of law harmonization have also been criticized. Actual tasks of veterinarian are the espousal of the conception of animal welfare and preparation to give expert judgment on the cruelty to animals.