This week in Albany, New York, a man was mauled and murdered by multiple mixed-breed pit bulls in a backyard. The authorities are looking into whether charges are appropriate.
Up to nine mixed-breed pit dogs “brutally and viciously” assaulted a guy in a backyard about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins during a press conference on Thursday.
James Provost, 59, of Schenectady, New York, was named as the victim. The reason for his being in the yard, which was adjacent to the house where the dogs resided, was unknown, according to Hawkins.
The adult male dog was shot and killed by an on-scene officer who saw the mauling, causing the other dogs to scatter. Soon after, the dog’s caregiver showed up, aiding the cops in capturing the animals, according to Hawkins.
According to Hawkins, the homeowner—who is not the same as the caretaker—does not dwell at the house.
“To ascertain precisely what, if any, criminal charges are applicable here, we’re collaborating closely with the district attorney’s office,” Hawkins stated.
At the residence, investigators discovered 24 pit bulls, 15 of which were puppies. According to Hawkins, the humane society took the animals.
“This man’s death was caused by at least a few of those dogs.” Thus, we’ve collected these dogs and placed them in an area where they are unable to hurt anyone else, where they are unable to flee, and where they can be held until this issue is resolved,” he stated.
The decision to either release the dogs—some of which are not licensed—or put them to death would then be made by another authority, according to Hawkins.
He claimed it was unclear how the dogs entered a nearby yard or why there were so many canines at the address.
Due to possible narcotics involvement, a search warrant was conducted at the residence housing the dogs in May. According to Hawkins, five or seven dogs were given to the humane organization before being put out.
The police investigation’s conclusion was kept a secret.
