A young Arizona mom was mauled to death by three dogs at her mother’s home in Southern California while protecting her 5-year-old son.
Emily Panuco, 26, from Parker, Ariz., went to her mom’s home just over the state border in Big River on Feb. 27 to see a litter of puppies when the attack occurred, according to the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department.
The week-old pups were in a cardboard box near the front door of the home on 6700 block of Wingfoot Court when Panuco’s son went over to pet them.
Three adult dogs on the property, including the puppies’ mother, suddenly attacked — leading Panuco to shield her son from the terrifying onslaught.
Panuco suffered several bite wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her son sustained two severe bites and was treated at a hospital before later being released.
Authorities did not disclose the dogs’ breed but stated that animal control took possession of them and they were later euthanized.
A GoFundMe organized by Panuco’s loved ones described her as a “devoted mother” to a 6-year-old and 7-month-old who worked at a library and “touched the lives of many children and families.”
“Her love for her own family was evident in everything she did, and her absence leaves a tremendous void,” it said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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