Federal Police investigate veterinarian's death after Senate dog attack

The Federal Police have taken over the investigation into the death of 36-year-old veterinarian Vitória Valle de Oliveira Pinha, who was attacked by a service dog at the Senate kennel in Brasília.

Pinha, who worked as an animal handler for a third-party company, was attacked by a Belgian Shepherd on August 18 while reportedly feeding the animal. She suffered a severe neck artery injury and an exposed fracture. Despite undergoing surgery at Hospital de Base, she passed away on August 22.

The Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal District (CRMV-DF) reported that the Senate kennel lacked the mandatory registration and a designated technical veterinary supervisor. Officials noted that standard operating procedures in regulated facilities typically prohibit handlers from managing animals alone.