Chilling footage has emerged showing a man in Queens dragging two dogs behind his car in Long Island City on Sunday evening. Witnesses were understandably shocked and quickly alerted the authorities.
In the disturbing video, around 6 p.m., a German shepherd named Marzipan and a pit bull named Nougat were seen struggling to keep up while leashed to the back of a red Volkswagen Passat as it approached the intersection of 11th Avenue and 43rd Street, as reported by prosecutors.
“What are these people doing? They’re dragging that dog out of the car!” exclaimed a bystander, their disbelief echoing in the video captured by an onlooker.
Authorities reported that Nougat was taken from the vehicle, but the driver, identified as 68-year-old Dan Boujot, attempted to snatch the dog back before fleeing the scene.
After witnesses contacted the NYPD, officers apprehended Boujot, escorting him to the ASPCA in Manhattan where both dogs were examined.
Boujot faces multiple charges, including animal cruelty and injury, driving without a license, and excessive driving behavior following this horrific incident that was caught on tape, as announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday.
Marzipan, around two years old, suffered a ruptured eardrum during the ordeal, while Nougat, believed to be between 2 and 4 years old, had abrasions on her wrist pads, skin irritation, and diarrhea.
“The footage is deeply disturbing and highlights the ongoing issue of animal abuse in New York City,” stated Howard Lawrence, vice president of the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division. “Just in the last two weeks, we’ve taken nearly 20 animals from 18 suspected abuse cases.”
Boujot has pleaded not guilty and was released without bail after his arraignment. He is expected back in court on March 5, according to court documents.
If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison.
“As alleged, the defendant tied the German shepherd and pit bull to his vehicle and dragged them through the streets of Long Island City,” Katz remarked. “We appreciate the good Samaritans who reported this cruelty and the NYPD for their rapid response in arresting the suspect and ensuring the animals are now in the care of the ASPCA.”
“It’s a relief that the dogs survived and are now safe, while their alleged abuser will face justice in court.”
