Miami Standard (Pueblo County, CO) – A woman from Colorado has been taken into custody following reports that several of her over 50 dogs attacked and fatally injured her 76-year-old mother.

Jessica Hoff, 47, is set to appear in court for the first time on Thursday regarding the February death of LaVonne Hoff, who suffered from dementia and needed round-the-clock care, as stated in court documents and information from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.

Jessica Hoff was taken into custody on Friday due to a warrant related to charges of criminal negligence and aggravated cruelty towards animals.

Officials reported that she left her mother unattended at their residence in Colorado City, located 140 miles south of Denver, as she went out to run errands on February 3. Later that day, authorities discovered LaVonne Hoff unresponsive, with several dogs roaming freely alongside approximately twenty other dogs and seven caged birds, according to the sheriff’s office.

A search conducted at Jessica Hoff’s residence and an adjacent property uncovered a total of 54 dogs, with many showing signs of poor health. Animal control has taken action after discovering dogs and birds living in unsanitary conditions, according to the sheriff’s office.

On Monday, Jessica Hoff found herself in jail, with her release bond established at $50,000, as indicated by jail records.

According to court records, formal charges have yet to be filed against her by prosecutors.

Source: Colorado mother killed by some of her daughter’s more than 50 dogs, authorities say