A shocking video captured the moment two defenseless dogs were pulled behind a vehicle while concerned bystanders alerted the authorities. The dogs, a German Shepherd named Marzipan and a pit bull named Nougat, were tethered to the back of a red Volkswagen Passat and struggled to keep pace as the car moved along the street. An astonished onlooker shouted in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them.
Nougat managed to free itself, prompting the driver to gather the dogs and place them inside the vehicle before reportedly fleeing the area. Witnesses contacted the New York Police Department (NYPD) after identifying the driver as Dan Bujor, 68, who was allegedly responsible for the incident that occurred in Long Island. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Bujor faced charges related to animal cruelty.
Katz condemned the act, stating that the defendant had tied the dogs to the car and dragged them through the streets of Long Island City. She commended the individuals who reported the incident and the swift response of the NYPD in apprehending the suspect and handing over the animals to the ASPCA for necessary medical attention.
Bujor, a resident of Long Island City, was charged with offenses including overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, failure to provide proper care, and driving without a license. If convicted, Bujor could potentially face a one-year jail sentence. The dogs, Marzipan and Nougat, were taken to the ASPCA in Manhattan for evaluation. Marzipan, aged 2, suffered a ruptured eardrum, while Nougat, estimated to be between 2 and 4 years old, had injuries to her paw pads, skin inflammation, and digestive issues.
Howard Lawrence, ASPCA Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement, expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the ongoing problem of animal abuse in New York City. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of various organizations in providing care and support for the rescued animals as they recovered from the traumatic ordeal.
