Photo: Albany Police Department/Facebook
A 59-year-old man from Schenectady, New York, was tragically mauled to death by multiple dogs in what police are describing as a “horrific attack.” The incident took place on Wednesday, October 9, on the 500 block of Central Avenue in Albany, and has shocked the local community.
The Albany Police Department (APD) received a call around 5:55 p.m. about “multiple dogs” viciously attacking a man. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the dogs still mauling the victim, identified as James Provost. In an effort to stop the attack, an officer shot one of the dogs, according to a post shared by the department on Facebook.
Despite the police’s efforts, Provost was pronounced dead at the scene. Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins spoke about the tragic event during a news conference, explaining the severity of the situation. “This was a truly horrific attack, and our hearts go out to the victim and his family,” Hawkins said during the briefing, covered by local NBC affiliate WNYT and CBS affiliate WRGB.
The police confirmed shortly after the incident that all of the dogs involved had been captured and were being placed in an appropriate homing facility. “All of the dogs have been accounted for,” the department noted on its Facebook page. They also reassured the public that the dogs would be secured until further action could be determined.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many dogs were involved in the attack or what specific breeds they were. The Albany Police Department is continuing its investigation to determine how the attack occurred and if any prior reports had been made about the animals.
A spokesperson for the department did not provide an immediate update on October 12 when contacted by PEOPLE. The circumstances surrounding the ownership of the dogs and the potential legal consequences remain under review as authorities work to gather more details.
This devastating attack has sent shockwaves through the Albany community, with many residents expressing their horror over the incident. As investigators continue to gather information, James Provost’s family and friends are left grieving the sudden and tragic loss of their loved one.
The Albany Police Department has emphasized that they will ensure the dogs involved are handled appropriately, and any further updates regarding the case will be shared with the public in due course.
