A woman has been arrested after her 76-year-old mother was found mauled to death by 54 dogs that were reportedly neglected and caged inside their Pueblo County home, according to The New York Post.
Authorities say Jessica Hoff, 47, was taken into custody on Friday following a lengthy investigation. Her mother, LaVonne Hoff, was found unresponsive and surrounded by dozens of dogs. Officials believe she was left alone with the animals despite needing 24/7 care due to dementia.
Inside the Gruesome Discovery That Led to Jessica Hoff’s Arrest
The nightmare began last month when Pueblo County deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive elderly woman. When officers arrived, they walked into a horrific scene: LaVonne Hoff’s lifeless body surrounded by dozens of dogs.
Dozens of Dogs and Birds Found in Filthy Conditions
Officers later revealed that Hoff kept a staggering 54 dogs and seven birds at the main residence and a second property nearby. According to officials, the home’s conditions were unfit for both humans and animals. Several dogs were reportedly free-roaming, while others were trapped in cages inside filthy rooms filled with feces and debris. In addition to the animals, police noted that the home had seven bird cages, further emphasizing the level of animal hoarding and neglect. Investigators alleged Jessica left the home to run errands, abandoning her vulnerable mother to fend for herself.
Jessica Hoff Faces Criminal Negligence and Animal Cruelty Charges
Following an intensive investigation, Hoff was charged with criminally negligent homicide and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Police say her failure to provide proper care for both her mother and the animals directly led to LaVonne Hoff’s tragic death.
Charges Include Negligence of At-Risk Adult and Animal Abuse
LaVonne’s condition made her especially vulnerable. She required full-time assistance and couldn’t defend herself — especially against a pack of large, potentially aggressive dogs. Investigators believe the attack happened while Jessica was away, leaving her mother exposed and defenseless.
Authorities believe that Jessica had a long history of hoarding animals, with multiple complaints about the condition of her pets prior to this fatal incident. The seized animals are now in the custody of local animal control and welfare agencies.
