A Southern Colorado woman faces serious charges after authorities say her mother was fatally mauled by dogs. The incident, which took place in early February, has shocked the Pueblo County community and raised concerns over animal hoarding and elder neglect.
Authorities Respond to Tragic Scene
Deputies from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a home on February 3 following reports of an unconscious woman. What they found was devastating.
76-year-old LaVonne Hoff was dead, and multiple dogs were roaming the property. According to the sheriff’s office, an autopsy confirmed she had been killed by a dog attack. Hoff, who suffered from dementia and needed full-time care, had been left alone.
Daughter Accused of Criminal Negligence
Investigators say LaVonne’s daughter, 47-year-old Jessica Hoff, had left her mother unattended while running errands. The decision proved fatal.
Further inquiries led deputies to another property in Colorado City, roughly 27 miles away. What they uncovered there was alarming:
- 54 dogs and seven birds living in unsanitary conditions
- A home described as unfit for habitation
- Evidence suggesting long-term animal hoarding
Jessica Hoff was taken into custody and charged with criminal negligence resulting in death and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Community Reacts as Animals Are Seized
Following Hoff’s arrest, Pueblo County authorities, alongside Animal Law Enforcement, removed the animals from both properties. Officials have not yet determined what will happen to the seized dogs and birds, but animal welfare groups are expected to assess their conditions.
The case has sparked conversations about elder care responsibilities, animal hoarding, and the challenges of managing mental health issues within families. Residents in Pueblo County are left wondering: could this tragedy have been prevented?
