Pueblo (USA) - Brutal attack: A 76-year-old woman in need of care was left alone by her daughter (47) in the US state of Colorado - with fatal consequences.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, LaVonne Hoff was found lifeless in her home on February 3 - surrounded by 24 dogs !

The 76-year-old suffered from dementia and was dependent on round-the-clock care. But her daughter Jessica (47) left her alone with the animals while she ran errands. When she returned, it was already too late.

An autopsy revealed that LaVonne had been mauled by the dogs.

Investigators then searched the house and discovered a further 30 dogs in a second house belonging to Jessica - some of them in an appalling condition.

The 47-year-old was arrested on Friday and has been in custody ever since. She is accused of involuntary manslaughter of an endangered adult and 54 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

She will stand trial on March 27 .