James Provost Obituary, Death – Police have identified the man who tragically died in a brutal dog attack in Albany as 59-year-old James Provost of Schenectady. However, many questions remain about why he was present at the location and the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The attack took place on Wednesday in the backyard of a home located in the 500 block of Central Avenue in Albany. During a news conference, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins provided details about the case, stating that officers were called to the scene at approximately 5:55 p.m. after receiving reports of a man being mauled by dogs in the rear yard of the residence.
Upon arriving, the first responding officer witnessed the horrific scene, where Provost was being viciously attacked by a pack of eight or nine mixed-breed pit bulls. In an effort to stop the assault, the officer fired his weapon, killing one of the dogs, while the others fled the scene.
The caregiver of the dogs assisted police in rounding up the remaining animals. Chief Hawkins further explained that the owner of the dogs, who resides in Cohoes, has been somewhat cooperative with authorities during the ongoing investigation. The dogs were being housed in the yard adjacent to where the attack occurred. In total, 24 mixed-breed pit bulls were living on the property, including 15 puppies.
Following the attack, the 23 surviving dogs were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. A judge will ultimately decide the fate of the dogs after the completion of the criminal investigation. Hawkins noted that none of the dogs had up-to-date licenses, with only four having been licensed, though those licenses had expired in March.
This location had previously attracted police attention. In May, police searched the property following complaints about potential drug activity. During that search, five to seven dogs were seized, though no vicious behavior was reported at the time, and the dogs were later returned. Prior to the recent tragedy, there had been no other calls concerning animal-related incidents at the residence.
Chief Hawkins shared that there were approximately four or five individuals living in at least one of the units on the property, though it remains unclear how these residents are connected to the victim. Investigators are working to determine Provost’s relationship with those present at the scene and why he was at the location.
The Albany Police Department is collaborating with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office to explore whether criminal charges are warranted in connection with the attack. Hawkins pointed out that keeping such a large number of dogs in violation of city ordinances, combined with the fact that one of the animals killed a person, could result in serious legal consequences for those involved.
“It was a horrific attack,” Hawkins stated. “When you’re keeping that many animals in a location in violation of city ordinance, and some of those animals kill a person, there’s certainly a possibility for criminal charges.”
Hawkins also mentioned that the dogs were not being raised in a typical “family atmosphere” and hinted at questionable activities occurring at the property. However, he did not provide specific details about what those activities might entail.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together exactly what led to this tragic event. Chief Hawkins assured the public that they are committed to seeking justice for James Provost, who was “viciously attacked” by the dogs. Investigators will continue to gather information to fully understand the circumstances and to determine any legal actions that need to be taken.