Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of JOSEPH KAUFFMANN, 22, for throwing his 14-week-old puppy off a bed – breaking numerous bones – and burning him with hot water in March 2024. KAUFFMANN is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals. [1] 

“As alleged, Joseph Kauffmann abused his dog by throwing him off the bed and scalding him with hot water for a prolonged period of time,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Pets are expected to be cared for by their owners, and this horrific alleged behavior will not be tolerated.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on March 27, 2024, KAUFFMANN allegedly threw his 14-week-old Border Collie puppy, “Luca,” off the bed. After throwing him, he brought Luca to the bathtub and washed him with scalding hot water which burned him. Luca was unable to walk the next morning when KAUFFMANN brought him to BluePearl Pet Hospital. 

Luca had two femur fractures, three rib fractures, and severe burns on his back, ear, forehead, eye, and muzzle. 

On April 1, 2024, Luca was transported to the ASPCA Animal Hospital where he underwent surgery to fix his femurs. 

Luca remained at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, receiving medical attention, until late May 2024. 

Assistant D.A. Sophie Robart (Attorney-in-Charge of the Animal Cruelty Program) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Erin Tierney (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Lieutenant Adrian Ashby of the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and Detective Erika Palazzo of the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad. He also thanked the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the veterinary staff at BluePearl Pet Hospital for their work in the investigation and care for Luca. 

Defendant Information: 

JOSEPH KAUFFMANN 

New York, NY 

Charged: 

• Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a class E felony, one count
• Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, a class A misdemeanor, one count 

###

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.