Two animals, a German Shepherd and a mixed-breed, are seeking new homes after surviving a harrowing ordeal in Long Island City. The dogs, named Marley and Miss Noogie, were rescued following a traumatic incident on January 4 involving a moving vehicle, according to reports.
The legal charges against Dan Bujor in Queens
Dan Bujor is facing a series of criminal charges following the incident where the dogs were allegedly attached to a red Volkswagen Passat. as announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the charges against Bujor include overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, failure to provide sustenance, and driving by an unlicensed operator.
The legal proceedings in Queens will focus on the actions taken near 11th Street and 43rd Avenue. According to the report, a video captured the animals being tied by their leashes to the back of the moving vehicle, causing them to struggle to keep up with the car.
The ASPCA’s Pawling facility and the NYPD connection
The ASPCA's Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, New York, provided the critical medical and behavioral care necessary for the animals' survival. This facility, which the report notes opened in late 2025, was established to expand treatment capacity for animals rescued by the NYPD.
By providing a dedicated space for trauma recovery, the ASPCA aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement rescues and successful animal rehoming. This specialized care is essential for animals that have experienced the high levels of stress assoicated with urban animal cruelty cases.
Marley’s eardrum recovery and Miss Noogie’s physical healing
Marley, a German Shepherd also known as Marzipan, required intesive behavioral work to overcome the fear resulting from a ruptured eardrum. To rebuild her trust in humans, the ASPCA utilized specialized training techniques, including:
- Touch training to encourage physical comfort.
- Interaction with confident 'helper dogs' to model social stability.
Miss Noogie, a large mixed-breed dog whose real name is Nougat, also required significant medical attention. Upon her rescue, she suffered from inflammation between her toes, abrasions on her paw pads, and digestive issues. After spending several months in a foster home, she is now described as an adventurous pup ready for a permanent family.
Unanswered details of the January 4 incident
Several aspects of the January 4 incident in Long Island City remain unverified by the available reporting. while the charges against Dan Bujor are clear, the specific motive behind the alleged act of dragging the dogs remains unknown. Additionally, it is unclear if the video documenting the red Volkswagen Passat was recorded by a bystander or through a vehicle's internal camera.
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