[Animal welfare aspects in case of therapeutical emergency]

The use of pharmaceutical acting substances in animals for food purposes is restricted by many regulations. The intention of these regulations is the protection of consumers. Under this circumstances a limitation of therapy options can be stated, which is described with the term "Therapeutical Emergency" and can cause animal welfare problems. It is investigated whether pharmaceutical regulations or animal welfare regulations have priority in case of emergency for health and life of an animal. It is discussed whether the various orders by competent authorities to kill an animal under food protective regulations can prove a "reasonable" cause under paragraph 17 of the German animal welfare law.