Fatal Dog Attack in Albany: 59-Year-Old Schenectady Man Dies from Multiple Dog Bites!
Albany police have identified the man killed in a brutal dog attack but are still piecing together why he was at the location and exactly how the incident unfolded.
James Provost, 59, from Schenectady, lost his life during the attack, which took place on Wednesday in the backyard of a house located in the 500 block of Central Avenue, Albany.
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins addressed the incident during a news conference, mentioning that officers received a call around 5:55 p.m. about a man being attacked by multiple dogs in the rear yard of a residence.
Upon arriving at the scene, the first officer witnessed Provost being attacked by a group of eight or nine mixed-breed pit bulls, as Chief Hawkins reported.
In an attempt to stop the attack, the officer discharged his weapon, fatally shooting one of the dogs. The other dogs scattered and fled the scene.
The dogs’ caregiver assisted the police in rounding up the remaining animals. According to Chief Hawkins, the dogs’ owner resides in Cohoes and has shown some cooperation with the investigation. There is still much to uncover about the owner’s role in this tragic incident.
The attack occurred in the yard adjacent to where the dogs were being housed. In total, 24 mixed-breed pit bulls lived on the property, 15 of which were puppies.
The remaining 23 dogs are currently being housed at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society while the authorities continue their investigation. Chief Hawkins stated that a judge will eventually decide what happens to these dogs once the criminal investigation is completed.
None of the dogs involved in the incident had the required licenses. Although four of them had been licensed previously, their registrations expired in March.
Chief Hawkins confirmed that Albany police had searched the property in May following a tip-off about suspected drug activity. During that search, authorities confiscated five to seven dogs. However, the dogs were later released as they were not linked to any aggressive behavior at that time.
The property where the attack took place reportedly housed four to five residents living in at least one of the building units. It’s unclear if these individuals had any involvement in the incident or any connection to the victim.
Authorities are working closely with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office to determine if criminal charges should be filed against the dog owner or anyone else involved.
Chief Hawkins described the situation as a horrific attack. He noted that keeping such a large number of dogs in violation of city ordinances could lead to criminal liability, especially considering that some of these animals were directly involved in a fatal incident.
He also emphasized that the dogs were not being kept in a typical family environment but were in a situation that raised serious concerns.
Investigators are actively looking into why Provost was at the location when the attack occurred and what connection, if any, he had with the residents.
Read More:
Heartfelt Generosity: Trucks Full of Donations Head to Hurricane Victims in North Carolina!
Caught on Camera: Bronx Man Breaks Down Door and Enters Apartment!
Chief Hawkins assured the public that the police department would do everything possible to seek justice for the victim of this tragic and vicious attack.