Colorado woman killed by some of the more than 50 dogs owned by her daughter

PUEBLO, Colo. — A Colorado woman has been arrested after authorities said some of her more than 50 dogs attacked and killed her 76-year-old mother.

Jessica Hoff, 47, is due to make a first court appearance Thursday in connection with the February death of LaVonne Hoff, who had dementia and required 24-hour care, according to court records and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.

Jessica Hoff was arrested Friday on a warrant for criminal negligence and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Authorities said she left her mother at home alone in Colorado City, 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of Denver, while she did errands Feb. 3. Later that day, deputies found LaVonne Hoff unconscious and several dogs running loose along with about two dozen other dogs and seven birds that were in cages, the sheriff's office said.

A search of the home and another property owned by Jessica Hoff nearby found a total of 54 dogs, several of them in poor health. The dogs and birds were found in unsanitary conditions and were seized by animal control, the sheriff’s office said.

Jessica Hoff was in jail Monday with the bond for her release set at $50,000, according to jail records. Prosecutors have not filed formal charges against her, according to court records. She is being represented by a lawyer from the public defender's office, which doesn't comment on its cases to the media.