The official cause of death of a mum suffering from who was killed in a by a number of dogs has been released.

LaVonne Hoff, 76, was found dead in her home in rural Colorado, on 3 February after her daughter, Jessica Hoff, 47, had left her alone to run some 'errands'. Police following reports of an unresponsive individual. Officers found around two dozen there, owned by Jessica, and many of which were severely underfed and kept in "unsanitary conditions." LaVonne's deceased body was also found at the scene.

Several dogs were running loose in the home and a collection of birds were also found inside cages. Upon searching a second property, they discovered more dogs - bringing the total to 54.

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A report from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office read: "Deputies responded to the residence in the 4800 block of Jefferson Blvd on February 3 on a report of an unconscious woman. When they arrived, they found LaVonne Hoff, 76, unresponsive and several dogs running loose in the home and another approximately two dozen dogs and seven birds in cages in the home.

"The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Autopsy results determined LaVonne Hoff's death was attributed to the dog attack."

Pueblo Country Coroner Brian Cotter has since confirmed that LaVonne died after the ' attack left her drained of blood. She died as a result of 'exsanguination due to Canine Induced Trauma Injuries," Cotter said in a statement to , with her death being ruled as accidental.

Jessica, from Colorado City, is now facing charges of criminal negligence leading to the death of an at-risk adult and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. The sheriff's office carried out an "extensive investigation" that led to a number of findings.

It was concluded that the daughter had left her mum alone with the dogs so she could go to Pueblo to run some errands. Officials added that LaVonne Hoff reportedly had dementia.

Her condition meant that she required 24-hour care. Detectives learned that while LaVonne Hoff was left alone, she was attacked by the dogs that were loose in the home.

"Detectives executed a search warrant on the home and a second property Jessica Hoff had in Colorado City and located a total of 54 dogs and the seven birds in her possession. The dogs and birds were found living in unsanitary conditions and several of the dogs were in poor health."

Animal Law Enforcement officers took possession of the dogs and birds. Under Colorado law, criminal negligence resulting in an at-risk person’s death as well as aggravated cruelty to animals can both carry prison sentences.

Jessica is being held in Pueblo County Jail according to online jail records at the time of writing. Her bond has been set at $50,000 (£38,585).