HORRIFIC footage has captured the moment a pack of pit bulls mauled a man to death and refused to let his body go.
James Provost, 59, lay limp as the 10 dogs launched their vicious attack at around 6 pm in Albany, New York, on Wednesday.
Horrific footage showed the pit bulls mauling the man as he lay on the ground[/caption]
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society were later seen taking the dogs away in a van[/caption]
The yard was next door to a suspected drug den where the dogs were looked after by a caretaker.
Witnesses working in the area said they were alerted to the frantic scene by loud barking and Provost’s desperate screams for help.
Horrifying footage obtained by CBS 6 shows the dogs barking and panting around the man as they ravaged him on the ground.
The animals can then be seen dragging him around as he appeared unconscious, according to the outlet.
Witnesses quickly called 911 and officers arrived to help a few minutes later.
“This was a horrific attack,” Albany police chief Eric Hawkins told reporters during a news conference.
He said Provost was “being actively attacked by several mixed breed pit bulls” and that the officer on scene tried to stop them by shooting one of them.
“At that point the other dogs dispersed and were still in the immediate vicinity but the victim was still lying on the ground,” Hawkins explained.
“A caregiver arrived on scene shortly there after.
“The caregiver was able to assist in rounding up all the dogs and taking the dogs back inside the residence.
“Once back inside the residence, the officers were able to reach the victim and provide medical assistance.”
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society arrived to take the dogs away at around 8 pm, putting the animals into crates and loading them into a van.
According to cops, all the dogs are accounted for and are in the process of getting placed in a facility.
It came just months after the home where the dogs were found was raided in May over suspected drug activity.
Five to seven hounds were confiscated at the time and were later released.
It’s not clear, however, whether those dogs were involved in Wednesday’s attack.
Cops found a total of 24 mix-breed pit bulls, including 15 puppies, at the home on Wednesday.
No charges had been filed as of Thursday, but an investigation is ongoing.
“We’re still trying to determine why the victim was in the rear of the residence, we’re still trying to figure out why the owner of the dogs kept so many dogs at that location,” Hawkins said.
“We’re gonna find out who, if someone is criminally responsible for this.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Albany Police Department for an update.
Signs your dog could turn dangerous
Expert advice from Dr. Sara Ochoa, who has been practicing veterinary medicine for over five years.
Ochoa told The U.S. Sun observing a dog’s behavior can provide clues that they might act out.
“A dog that looks tense all over with its fur sticking up or teeth showing is more likely to snap,” she said.
“Staring real hard without blinking could mean trouble too.
“Growling is also a warning the dog is getting mad.”
She said dogs may tuck their tail between their legs when they feel scared or threatened.
“Staying calm and keeping space may help things not to escalate if a dog seems on edge,” she said.
