Who is responsible for animal welfare? The veterinary answer

Vets and health Veterinarians are trained to identify, cure and prevent disease in animals. Thus, as many veterinarians consider health a key part of animal welfare, one might suggest that a veterinary answer to the question on who is responsible for animal welfare would be the veterinarian. Of course it is obvious that veterinarians play a key role in not only the treatment of sick or injured animals but also to prevent disease e.g. by helping in applying health schemes, vaccinations etc. Obviously, many contagious diseases also imply a very poor welfare for the animals affected, such as in the case of foot and mouth disease, influenzas, and many others. Hence, the work of veterinarians in the prevention of such outbreaks is of great importance.