Video Shows Man Dragging Dogs Behind Car Because He Didn’t Want Them ‘Pooping’ Inside

A Queens man is facing criminal charges after a disturbing video surfaced appearing to show two dogs tied to the trunk of his car and struggling to keep up as he drove through a busy neighborhood.

Dan Bujor, 68, of Long Island City, was charged with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty, following the incident Sunday near the intersection of 11th Street and 43rd Avenue in Long Island City. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Bujor could face up to one year in jail if convicted.

Authorities say stunned neighbors watched as two dogs — Marzipan, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd, and Nougat, a pit bull believed to be between 2 and 4 years old — were forced to run behind a red Volkswagen Passat. Witnesses reported that both animals appeared visibly distressed as the vehicle continued moving.

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In a statement to police, Bujor allegedly claimed he tied the dogs to the car because he did not want them relieving themselves inside the vehicle, according to NBC New York.

Police said one of the dogs eventually became unhooked. At that point, Bujor allegedly grabbed both animals, put them inside the car, and fled the scene.

A witness recorded the incident on video and contacted authorities. Officers later located Bujor standing on a nearby street corner holding both dogs on leashes. According to police, he was unable to produce a valid driver’s license.

The dogs were transported to the ASPCA animal hospital and adoption center in Manhattan, where veterinarians treated them for multiple injuries. Marzipan was diagnosed with a ruptured eardrum, while Nougat suffered bruised paws, inflammation between her toes, and diarrhea.

“We are grateful that the dogs survived and their alleged abuser will now be held accountable in our court system,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement.

Bujor has been charged with two counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, failure to provide sustenance, and driving without a valid license. He is scheduled to return to court on March 5.

Howard Lawrence, vice president of humane law enforcement at the ASPCA, called the video deeply disturbing and said it highlights the ongoing problem of animal abuse in New York City.

“In the last two weeks alone, the ASPCA has taken in nearly 20 animals from 18 suspected cruelty cases,” Lawrence said, thanking law enforcement and veterinarians for acting quickly to protect the dogs.

Not everyone who knows Bujor believes the incident reflects a pattern of abuse. Jennifer Brooks of New York City Second Chance Rescue told NBC New York that while she does not defend the alleged behavior, she has seen Bujor at adoption events in the past.

“I’ve seen him with the German shepherd before,” Brooks said. “In the past, he appeared to care for the dog, and the dog looked well cared for. This seems like a serious lapse in judgment.