Two dogs were brutally dragged behind a red Volkswagen on Jan. 4, 2026, on the streets of New York. The two dogs in question, a German Shepherd named Marzipan and a Pitbull named Nougat, had their leashes tied to the trunk of the car.

Numerous witnesses pleaded with the driver to stop, but he continued driving, according to police. The NYPD was notified and arrested the driver, identified as 68-year-old Dan Bujor. According to police, Bujor said he tied the dogs outside the vehicle because he did not want them to defecate inside the car.


Nougat allegedly got unhooked while being dragged, which prompted Bujor to exit his vehicle, put both his dogs in the car, and race away before police could arrive.

Bujor was charged with overdriving, two counts of torturing and injuring animals, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to provide proper sustenance. He pleaded not guilty and faces up to one year in jail if convicted.

According to court records, Bujor also owned four cats and two doves and lived with the animals in a Chevrolet 3500 school bus. He described himself as an animal lover and said he hoped to regain custody of the dogs.

The dogs were transferred to the ASPCA’s Recovery and Rehabilitation Center in New York. Marzipan suffered from a ruptured eardrum and was “extremely fearful” when she arrived at the facility. She would often be found cowering in her kennel, unable to interact with caretakers and fellow dogs.

Apparently, therapy dogs were able to aid Marzipan in rebuilding trust and engaging her in touch training. She did not bark until her third month in therapy.

According to the New York Post, Nougat had paw pad abrasions, toe inflammation, and diarrhea. As of July 2026, both dogs have made a full recovery and are awaiting new families to adopt them after the incident.

Marzipan is still shy, and the authorities at the shelter have recommended that she go to a quieter home. Shelter staff said Marzipan remains shy and would do best in a quiet home. She is enrolled in FOHA’s Diamond Dog Program, which provides additional training and behavioral support. Nougat is also available for adoption and is expected to thrive in a more active household.

Prospective adopters must complete the organization’s adoption process before either dog can be placed in a new home.

Disclaimer: Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.