Veterinary medicine stands opposed to the concept of animal rights, although a number will readily contest this statement. Opposition comes from a misunderstanding of the veterinarian's role in society and a lack of knowledge of what the animal rights philosophy demands. Properly understood, it is diametrically opposed to the Veterinarian's Oath, which enjoins us to "participate in the advancement of medical knowledge." We cannot do this and meet the demands of the animal rights movement.