GNR agents conducted searches in 46 veterinary centres in the Lisbon/ Braga and Vila Real areas yesterday, over suspicions that they could be falsifying vaccination documents for rabies. The suspected ‘scam’ involves hunters who believe their dogs lose the power to ‘scent’ after being vaccinated, and thus ‘pay’ (a small amount) to receive false vaccination stamps in their dogs’ records. Rabies vaccinations are mandatory in Portugal, hence the hunters’ dilemma. According to reports, the blood of dogs suspected of having eluded the vaccines will be tested.
