Dogattacknews:
Date: June 18th, 2026
Location: Central Park, California City, CA
Victims: 12 year old Fernando and 8 year old sister
Owner: 68 year old Kenneth Dobbins
Dogs: from photos at the scene, three medium to large bloodsport dogs
Outcome: 12yo fatally drowned, 8yo severely mauled but stable
The owner was at the park with three unleashed dogs when they began to attack the kids. The 12yo panicked and ran, jumping into the lake. He did not surface. The 8yo was mauled allegedly in the face.
Police initially spoke with the man on scene but were unaware of the severity of the situation. They later obtained a search warrant and arrested Dobbins on charges including involuntary manslaughter.
The details of the sister are not fully released but she appears to be stable and is expected to survive.
The community held a candlelight vigil for Fernando. 🕊️ 🕯️
Facing one lethal dog, let alone three, is a terrible situation that no child should ever have to experience. It feels almost hopeless to even mention that parents need to prepare their kids for these situations.
Right now, thousands of people are heartlessly blaming the kid and the parents for not teaching him or for allowing him to play at a park in broad daylight at his age.
Please, parents. Do what you can to appropriately discuss this topic with your kids as they gain independence. Help them think through potential ways to escape so they are less likely to panic. I absolutely abhor victim blaming and am not trying to do that here. We just have the ability to learn from this horrific offense and to do what we can as parents.
-JL #DBA Editor
Parents for Dog Bite Awareness 
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