Shocking footage has emerged from New York City showing a driver allegedly dragging two helpless dogs behind his moving car, an act that has led to his arrest on serious animal cruelty charges.
Horrific Incident Caught on Camera
The disturbing event unfolded in Long Island City, Queens, at approximately 6pm local time on January 4, 2026. According to witness accounts and video evidence, a red Volkswagen Passat was seen driving down the road with two dogs tied to the rear of the vehicle.
The dogs, identified as a German Shepherd named Marzipan and a Pit Bull called Nougat, were seen struggling desperately to keep up with the car's speed. Horrified bystanders watched on, with one individual heard shouting in the video, questioning the driver's actions.
Reports indicate that Nougat eventually broke free from the tether. The driver, later identified as 68-year-old Dan Bujor of Long Island City, then allegedly stopped to place both animals inside the car before fleeing the scene.
Swift Police Action and Legal Charges
Alert witnesses immediately contacted the New York Police Department (NYPD), leading to a rapid investigation. Bujor was subsequently apprehended by police, who also seized the two dogs.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Bujor has been formally charged. "As alleged, the defendant tied a German shepherd and a pit bull to the back of a car and dragged them down a Long Island City street," Katz stated.
She expressed gratitude to the "good Samaritans" who reported the crime and to the NYPD for their swift response. Both dogs were placed into the care of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for urgent medical treatment.
Bujor was arraigned on multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals
- Failure to provide proper sustenance
- Driving as an unlicensed operator
If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail. Bujor is scheduled to next appear at Queens Criminal Court on March 5.
Dogs' Condition and Ongoing Animal Welfare Concerns
Following veterinary examinations at the ASPCA facility in Manhattan, both dogs were found to have sustained injuries from the ordeal.
Marzipan, aged 2, was diagnosed with a ruptured eardrum. Nougat, estimated to be between 2 and 4 years old, suffered new abrasions on her paw pads, inflammation of the skin between her toes, and diarrhoea.
Howard Lawrence, ASPCA Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement, called the footage "deeply disturbing" and highlighted a persistent issue of animal abuse in New York City. He revealed that in just the last two weeks, the ASPCA has taken in nearly 20 animals from 18 suspected cruelty cases.
Lawrence thanked the Veterinary Emergency Group Upper East Side, the NYPD, and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for their "swift action and invaluable support" in ensuring the dogs received care and the alleged abuser was held accountable.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspected animal abuse and the critical role of organisations like the ASPCA in protecting vulnerable animals.
