A 47-year-old Colorado woman faces criminal charges after her elderly mother with dementia was mauled to death by multiple dogs in her care. Jessica Hoff was arrested Friday on charges of criminal negligence resulting in death and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty following the February 3 attack that killed her 76-year-old mother, LaVonne Hoff.
According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, LaVonne, who required round-the-clock care due to dementia, was left alone at Jessica’s Colorado City home while her daughter ran errands. Deputies responding to the scene found the elderly woman unconscious and several dogs loose inside the residence. Two dozen additional dogs and seven birds were discovered caged in the home.
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An autopsy confirmed LaVonne died from injuries sustained in a brutal dog attack. Investigators later searched Jessica’s home and a nearby property she owned, uncovering a total of 54 dogs. “The dogs and birds were found living in unsanitary conditions and several of the dogs were in poor health,” authorities stated.
KKTV reported that 14 dogs were euthanized—11 due to severe medical issues and three suspected of involvement in the fatal mauling. The remaining 28 dogs and all seven birds were adopted out.
Jessica Hoff remains jailed on a $50,000 bond. Formal charges have not yet been filed, but she is scheduled for a court appearance Thursday.
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The case highlights concerns over animal hoarding and neglect, as well as the dangers of leaving vulnerable individuals unattended with aggressive pets. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding LaVonne Hoff’s tragic death.
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