A young mother has been tragically killed in a horrific attack by her own pet pit bull in her back garden, with friends revealing she spoke of the animal "like a son".
A Fatal Attack in the Garden
Juliana de Oliveira, aged 25, died from catastrophic injuries inflicted by her dog on December 23 in Vila Industrial, Campinas, Brazil. Military Police confirmed the mum-of-one was attacked by her own pet, with paramedics pronouncing her dead at the scene shortly after arriving.
The vicious pit bull attack caused severe wounds to her arms and abdomen. A neighbour reported hearing screams and attempted to intervene with an iron bar, before the dog was eventually restrained by the young mother's partner. Ms de Oliveira's eight-month-old daughter was present but was not harmed during the incident.
'She Worried Because It Was a Pit Bull'
In the wake of the tragedy, a close friend of Juliana's has come forward to describe her deep bond with the animal, which starkly contrasts with the violent nature of its final actions. Speaking to Globo.com, the friend stated, "She talked about that dog as if it were her own child. She worried a lot precisely because it was a pit bull."
The friend was keen to defend Juliana's character against unfair judgement, emphasising her caring nature. "People are judging her a lot... but she never mistreated the dog. Quite the opposite. She didn't have the temperament to be aggressive or impatient," they added.
Remembering a Dedicated Mother
Colleagues and friends have paid heartfelt tribute to Juliana, who worked at a local bakery, describing her as a devoted parent and a kind person. One friend shared on social media, "She was an amazing person, truly... She loved her family, and her little daughter even more."
A former colleague added, "My friend, may God receive you with open arms... You were very nice, you were happy. Our moments together at that bakery were good, moments I will never forget."
Lieutenant Nicoly Gonçalves of the Military Police confirmed that an investigation into the brutal death is underway. The authorities plan to send the animal involved to Campinas' Department of Animal Protection and Welfare.
