[Evaluating values: power and powerlessness of legislation (author's transl)]

In the introduction, four developments in society are commented upon, which have had their effects on the functioning of the Public Prosecution ever since the creation of the Penal Code in 1881. This makes it clear that the conduct of affairs has to be directed towards criminal prosecution. Guided by the wording of Section 455, Paragraph 1 of the Penal Code (Cruelty to Animals), efforts made to formulate a number of starting-points for this conduct of affairs in matters relating to the protection of animals. In discussing this subject, particular attention is paid to the position of experts.