(Jessica Hoff & LaVonne Hoff. Image via aol.com)
Staff writer: Aliyah Santana
Email: asantana5@umassd.edu
In a recent tragic accident that shocked the Colorado City community, 47-year-old Jessica Hoff was arrested following the death of her 76-year-old mother, LaVonne Hoff.
LaVonne suffered from dementia and required round-the-clock care, and her daughter was her caregiver.
LaVonne was reportedly mauled to death by several dogs residing in the home, leading to Jessica’s arrest. She was charged with criminal negligence resulting in death and 54 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
On February 3, 2025, local authorities from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s office responded to a distress call at the Hoff residence. Upon arrival, they found LaVonne deceased, surrounded by nearly two dozen dogs running loose within the home.
An autopsy later confirmed that LaVonne’s death was the result of a dog attack.
Jessica Hoff left her mother unattended while she ran errands around 25 miles away. The life of a 24-hour caregiver can be draining, but errands are not an excuse.
During her absence, the dogs attacked LaVonne, leading to her death. Following the discovery of LaVonne, the police executed a search warrant for the home and a second property owned by Jessica in Colorado.
Inside the home, there were 24 dogs and 7 caged birds found in deeply unsanitary conditions. In the second home, another 30 dogs were found in a shed. These animals were severely unhealthy and were seized by Animal Law.
Jessica Hoff was arrested on March 21, 2025, and sent to the Pueblo County jail with a bond set at 50,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.
Local animal shelters and rescue organizations have stepped in to care for the animals. Large efforts have been made to rehabilitate and rehome the dogs and birds. The process is proving challenging, given their previous living conditions and health issues.
14 of the dogs were humanely euthanized, 11 of which had severe medical conditions and 3 for being involved in the attack on LaVonne.
28 of the dogs were adopted, and all 7 birds were sent to new homes.
As the legal proceedings against Jessica Hoff unfold, the community remains hopeful that this tragic incident will serve to increase awareness and actions regarding animal hoarding, caregiver responsibilities, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Animal hoarding is a complex, challenging issue that is characterized by the owning of a large number of animals without the ability to provide proper care for them.
The Animal Humane Society defines two types of animal hoarders:
Overwhelmed caregivers involve people who have a strong attachment to their animals that often fall into the situation due to financial problems or issues with physical health. They can be but are not always socially isolated, and these types of caregivers often appreciate the help of intervention.
The second type is rescue hoarders. They believe they are the only people who can fully care for their animals. Their hoarding begins with their hearts in the right place, having a strong desire to save animals but it eventually spirals out of control.
Only two states in the U.S (Illinois and Hawaii) have mentioned animal hoarding in their cruelty statutes. Anti-hoarding legislation has been proposed several times but have yet to be passed.
Animal cruelty is a big deal and something that everyone should be aware of. Your fuzzy best friend deserves protection rights!
This case also brings attention to the challenges faced by caregivers of those with dementia. Providing adequate care requires constant support and added responsibilities. Caregivers must seek assistance and resources to ensure the safety of the patient and themselves.
Here are some tips from the Alzheimer’s Association on how to manage the stress of being a caregiver:
- Know what community resources are available to you
- Get help and find support
- Use relaxation techniques
- Find time for yourself
- Maintain your sense of humor!