A tragic dog attack in San Bernardino County has claimed the life of a young Arizona mother who was attempting to protect her child. Authorities reported that the fatal incident occurred on February 27, 2026, at a residence located on Wingfoot Court in the community of Big River. According to investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, 26-year-old Emily Panuco and her 5-year-old son had traveled from Parker, Arizona, to visit her mother’s home that afternoon.
Officials stated that the pair arrived around 3:30 p.m. to see a litter of young puppies kept near the front entrance of the property. During the visit, the child reportedly approached a cardboard box where the puppies were being kept. At that moment, three adult dogs suddenly attacked the boy. Panuco immediately stepped in to shield her son from the animals and attempted to stop the attack.
While protecting her child, she was also severely mauled by the dogs and suffered multiple critical injuries. Emergency responders attempted life-saving efforts at the scene, but Panuco was tragically pronounced deceased. Her young son sustained serious wounds during the attack and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical officials later released the child after he received care for his injuries.
Authorities have not publicly identified the breed of the dogs involved in the incident. Animal control officers responded to the residence and took custody of the three adult dogs following the attack. Officials confirmed that the animals were later euthanized. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation as authorities continue to review the events that led to the tragedy. Investigators have also stated that it remains unclear whether any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the attack as the investigation moves forward.
Dog attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional harm, often leaving victims with serious injuries and unexpected financial burdens. At The Medler Law Firm, we understand how traumatic these incidents can be for victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent pet owners accountable when their failure to properly control an animal results in injury. California law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, and our team works diligently to ensure those rights are fully enforced.
We carefully investigate each case, gather medical evidence, and pursue the compensation our clients deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Dog bite injuries can have lifelong consequences, and victims should not be forced to bear those costs alone. The Medler Law Firm is committed to providing compassionate guidance while aggressively advocating for maximum recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side and help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
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