A young mother of two has been killed while defending her six-year-old son from three attacking dogs in California.

Emily Panuco, 26, from Parker, Arizona, had driven her son across the state line to rural Big River, California, on 27 February so he could see a litter of puppies at her mother’s home.

The puppies belonged to an abandoned neighbourhood dog that Panuco’s mom was feeding.

According to local authorities, when Panuco’s son approached the puppies to pet them, three adult dogs, including the puppy’s mother, suddenly attacked him.

Panuco stepped in, putting herself between the animals and her son, and managing to push the boy into the car during the attack.

“She somehow got him into the car, and maybe she wasn’t able to get in because the car was still running, the door was open,” said her mother‑in‑law, Esther Panuco.

“I think that was her first instinct, that she didn’t even think about what would happen to her, that she needed to save her son,” she said.

The six-year-old survived the attack with bites to his legs, arms and back. Panuco did not.

Her body was discovered by her mother who returned home the following day.

Emily Panuco leaves behind her husband, Richie, their six‑year‑old son and a seven‑month‑old baby. (GoFundMe)

“Her mom is grieving very much too. She found her, she was not home. When she got there later on they had been there for a little while,” her mother-in-law said.

The boy witnessed the entire attack, she said. “He saw everything, he saw the whole attack.”

Panuco leaves behind her husband, Richie, their six‑year‑old son and a seven‑month‑old baby.

A GoFundMe page set up by relatives describes the family as “reeling” from the loss and struggling to cover medical bills, funeral costs and the long‑term care for the children and specialized therapy for her son after witnessing his mother’s death.

“Richie Panuco is my cousin, and he is facing an unimaginable loss,” the statement on the page says. “His wife, Emily, tragically passed away after being attacked by dogs while protecting their young son.”

Emily worked at the Colorado River Indian Tribes Library, where she was known for her kindness and care for local children and families. Her relatives said her absence has left “a tremendous void”.

“We’re just trying to get through this heartbreaking time,” the GoFundMe statement reads. “Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference.”

Local authorities confirmed that the three adult dogs involved in the attack were euthanized.

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