New York man fatally attacked by group of dogs in a backyard

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This week, three pit bull mixed canines attacked and murdered a man in his backyard in Albany, New York, and authorities are examining whether charges are necessary. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, up to nine mixed-breed pit bulls “brutally and viciously” attacked a guy in a backyard, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins told a news conference Thursday.

The victim has been identified as James Provost, 59, of Schenectady, New York. Hawkins said it was unclear why he was in the yard, which was next to the residence where the dogs lived. An officer on the scene witnessed the mauling and shot and killed an adult male dog, causing the other dogs to disperse. The dog’s guardian arrived shortly after and assisted police confine. Hawkins stated that the homeowner, who is not the caretaker, does not live at the residence.

“We’re working very closely with the district attorney’s office to determine exactly what, if any, criminal charges are applicable here,” Hawkins informed me. Investigators discovered 24 pit bulls in the home, 15 of which were puppies. The animals were taken by the humane society, Hawkins stated.

“At least some of those dogs contributed to the death of this individual. So we’ve taken these dogs, and we’ve put them in a place where they can’t cause any more harm, where they can’t escape, and where they can be maintained until this case is resolved,” he explained.

Hawkins stated that another authority would then determine whether to release the canines, some of which are unlicensed, or to euthanize them. He said it was unclear why there were so many dogs at the house or how they got into the neighboring yard. A search warrant was conducted in May at the home where the canines were kept due to suspicion of narcotics activity. According to Hawkins, five to seven dogs were turned over to the humane society and ultimately released. The outcome of the police investigation was not revealed.

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