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Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said during a press conference that the incident occurred in Albany on Wednesday, Oct. 9, around 6 p.m. in the backyard of a home adjacent to the residence where the dogs lived on Central Avenue.
The victim, identified as Schenectady resident James Provost, age 59, was attacked and killed by at least eight or nine mixed-breed pit bulls, Hawkins said.
Hawkins said the attack was "horrific."
When officers arrived on the scene, they found Provost being mauled by the dogs. One officer fired a shot, killing a male dog, Hawkins said.
Hawkins said a person who lives in the same house as the dogs came home and was able to get them inside so police could assist Provost.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, the chief said.
Police said an investigation found that 24 dogs, including 15 puppies, lived inside the home.
Hawkins said all the dogs were confiscated and turned over to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. None of the dogs were licensed, although four had expired licenses.
The dogs' owner, a Cohoes woman, does not live at the home where they were being kept. Hawkins said the owner is cooperating with police but could face criminal charges, the chief added.
Hawkins said no animal complaints are on record.
The chief said the department is working with the District Attorney's Office on possible charges.
He did not know why Provost was in the backyard area.
The investigation is ongoing.
This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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