The 25-year-old victim was the animal’s owner and suffered serious injuries to her arms and abdomen; case occurred in Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo
A 25-year-old woman died after being attacked by a pitbull dog in her backyard, in Vila Industrial, in Campinas (SP), this Tuesday morning (23). The death was confirmed by the Military Police. According to the corporation, the victim, identified as Juliana de Oliveira, was the animal’s guardian. She suffered serious injuries to her arms and abdomen. Rescue was called, but the doctor from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) confirmed the death at the scene.
According to the Military Police, neighbors heard the cries for help and tried to intervene to contain the animal. One of them tried to fend off the dog with an iron bar, without success. The pitbull was only contained minutes later, before emergency teams arrived. At the time of the attack, the woman was at home with her eight-month-old daughter. The child was not injured. The victim’s husband later arrived at the property and helped control the animal.
The Fire Department captured the pitbull, which will be sent to the Campinas Department of Animal Protection and Welfare. Forensics were called in to analyze the location, which was isolated for technical work.
The incident was registered with the Civil Police, in the 3rd Police District of Campinas, initially as a suspicious death. The case will be investigated to determine the circumstances of the attack.
What to do in case of an attack?
To avoid attacks by pitbull dogs — or any large animal with a strong jaw — experts in animal behavior and public safety reinforce that prevention involves both human behavior and responsible ownership. Here are the main recommendations based on protocols from trainers and health authorities:
1. Prevention in everyday life
- Keep your distance: Never approach an unfamiliar animal, especially if it is feeding, sleeping or has young.
- Respect the signs: Before an attack, the dog usually shows signs: a rigid body, fixed gaze, growls or ears turned back. If you notice this, back away slowly.
- Guide and muzzle: In public places, Brazilian legislation requires dogs of breeds considered strong to use a short leash and, in many states, a muzzle.
2. How to act in a tense situation
If you are confronted by an aggressive dog, the key is emotional control:
- Don’t run: the sudden movement activates the animal’s hunting instinct.
- Don’t face: staring into the eyes is interpreted as a challenge or threat.
- Stand aside: position the body laterally. This makes you a smaller “target” and demonstrates a non-aggressive stance.
- Keep your hands low: Do not raise your arms or shout, as this increases the dog’s agitation.
3. In case of imminent attack
If the dog advances, the priority is to protect vital areas:
- Use an object as a shield: Place a backpack, umbrella, coat or even a briefcase between you and the animal. Let him bite the object.
- Protect your neck and face: If you fall to the floor, curl up in a fetal position, protecting the back of your head with your hands and pulling your knees in to protect your abdomen.
- Do not pull: If biting occurs, trying to pull the limb can cause more serious lacerations.
