Hunters pay not to vaccinate dogs against rabies

In exchange for money, a veterinarian in Barcelos confirmed the administration of rabies vaccines to hundreds of dogs, but did not vaccinate them. Hunters’ dogs did not have up-to-date vaccinations because owners believed that mandatory vaccinations limited their sense of smell for hunting. The veterinarian was detained by the Braga PNP in November and suspended from duty.

This Wednesday, the GNR announced that it had charged a further 51 dog owners who had sought out the professional. The case already involves 84 defendants in various municipalities of Braga and Viana do Castelo. From the Barcelos clinic and with the support of her father, brother, nephew and partner, the doctor stamped the health reports without even having been vaccinated. “Clients” were recruited from hunting associations by immediate family members of the veterinarian. This scheme will bring in thousands of euros.