Authorities in Colorado have arrested a woman after her elderly mother, who suffered from dementia, was fatally attacked by dogs while left alone at home. Jessica Hoff, 47, now faces a criminal negligence charge and over 50 counts of animal cruelty.
On February 3, deputies responded to a call about an unconscious woman at a residence in Colorado City. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple dogs roaming freely inside, along with dozens of others confined in cages. Emergency personnel pronounced 76-year-old LaVonne Hoff dead at the scene. A later autopsy confirmed that she died from injuries sustained in a dog attack.
Investigators learned that LaVonne required constant care due to her condition. However, Jessica allegedly left her unattended to run errands in Pueblo, 25 miles away. While searching another property linked to Jessica, authorities found 54 dogs and seven birds living in unsanitary conditions. Some of the animals were in poor health, prompting law enforcement to coordinate their rescue with Animal Law Enforcement officials.
As a result of the investigation, Jessica Hoff has been charged with criminal negligence leading to the death of an at-risk adult, in addition to 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She was taken into custody on March 21 and booked into the Pueblo County Jail. Per People, her bond was set at $50,000, and she is expected to appear in court on March 27.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
