According to the New York Post, Jessica Hoff, 47, was arrested Friday after her mother, LaVonne Hoff, was found mauled to death in their Colorado City home, where 54 dogs were kept in deplorable conditions.

Law enforcement officials discovered the tragic scene after receiving reports of an unconscious woman at the residence. Multiple dogs were found roaming freely near the victim's body, while dozens more were scattered throughout the house alongside seven bird cages.

Severe Neglect Led to Fatal Dog Attack

Jessica Hoff allegedly left her mother, who required round-the-clock care due to advanced dementia, alone in the house while she went shopping. This decision proved fatal as the unsupervised dogs attacked the vulnerable elderly woman. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office confirmed through autopsy results that LaVonne's death resulted directly from injuries sustained during the dog attack.

Investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of animal neglect spanning two properties owned by Jessica Hoff. The living conditions for both the dogs and birds were described as unsanitary, with many animals showing signs of poor health. Animal control officers were forced to intervene and remove all 54 dogs and seven birds from the properties.

The severity of the situation prompted authorities to take swift action in documenting the extent of both animal and elder abuse. Multiple agencies collaborated to process the scene and ensure proper handling of evidence.

Criminal Charges Reflect Dual Nature of Abuse

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office filed serious charges against Jessica Hoff that address both the death of her mother and the mistreatment of animals. Prosecutors have charged her with criminal negligence resulting in the death of an at-risk adult, acknowledging the vulnerability of her dementia-stricken mother.

Additionally, Hoff faces 54 separate counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, one for each dog found on the properties. These charges reflect the systematic nature of the animal neglect authorities discovered. Each count carries significant potential penalties under Colorado law.

The investigation revealed that the situation had likely deteriorated over an extended period, with both human and animal welfare repeatedly compromised. The scale of the neglect has shocked local residents and animal welfare advocates.

Ongoing Investigation Reveals Systemic Failures

Authorities are conducting a thorough review of how the situation was allowed to escalate to such dangerous levels. Questions have emerged about potential missed warning signs and whether earlier intervention could have prevented this tragedy.

The case has highlighted gaps in monitoring systems designed to protect vulnerable adults and animals. Local officials are examining current protocols for identifying and responding to similar situations of concurrent elder abuse and animal hoarding.

Community members have expressed concern about the effectiveness of existing safeguards for at-risk adults living in potentially dangerous conditions. The incident has sparked discussions about necessary reforms.