New Jersey Man Charged After Severely Emaciated Dog Sabrina Found Abandoned in Weehawken

A severely emaciated dog named Sabrina remains under veterinary care after someone discovered her abandoned in Weehawken, New Jersey. Police have arrested a Union City man and charged him with animal cruelty and abandonment.

Authorities announced the case on November 9, 2026. Emil Bustamante, 42, was arrested on November 6 following an investigation by detectives from the Weehawken and Union City police departments.

Sabrina, described in local reporting as a pit bull, remains in serious condition. Rescue organizations are helping coordinate her treatment and recovery.

The charges against Bustamante are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case was reported by Hudson County View, News 12 New Jersey and Daily Voice.

Municipal Employee Discovers Abandoned Dog

A staff member from the Weehawken Mayor’s Office discovered Sabrina and immediately contacted police.

The employee also volunteers with animal rescue organizations. That experience helped connect the dog with people who could arrange urgent veterinary attention.

The employee coordinated assistance from Pitbulls & Addicts and Near and Far Rescues. The organizations helped retrieve Sabrina and arrange treatment.

Police credited the employee’s quick response and the rescuers’ cooperation with bringing the dog to safety.

Authorities have not publicly established exactly how long Sabrina had been abandoned before someone discovered her.

Sabrina Hospitalized in Serious Condition

Rescuers reported that Sabrina was extremely underweight when they found her.

According to Daily Voice’s November 9 reporting, Pitbulls & Addicts described her as so severely emaciated that her ribs and vertebrae were clearly visible.

The organization reported that Sabrina remained hospitalized while receiving treatment for the effects of starvation.

News 12 New Jersey separately confirmed that authorities described her condition as serious.

The available reports do not provide Sabrina’s current weight, laboratory results, exact treatment regimen or veterinary prognosis.

They also do not establish whether she has additional medical conditions beyond those described by rescuers.

Her condition warrants continued monitoring, but no recovery outcome should be assumed before the organizations caring for her provide an update.

Police Investigation Leads to Arrest

Detectives from the Weehawken Police Department and Union City Police Department investigated the circumstances surrounding Sabrina’s abandonment.

Investigators identified Emil Bustamante, 42, of Union City, as a suspect.

On November 6, officers located him in the 3800 block of John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Union City and arrested him without incident.

Police charged Bustamante with third-degree animal cruelty and animal abandonment.

According to the police account reported by Hudson County View, investigators consulted the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and uncovered additional evidence that led to upgraded charges.

The public reporting does not provide a complete account of that evidence. It would therefore be premature to describe the specific conduct investigators believe caused Sabrina’s condition beyond the allegations they have announced.

Authorities arranged to transfer Bustamante to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny pending his initial court appearance.

No conviction, guilty plea or final court disposition has been reported.

Multiple Agencies Assist Investigation

Weehawken Detective Commander Lt. Joseph Poole and Detective David Fitzpatrick led the investigation.

Humane Law Enforcement Officer Geoffrey Santini assisted the detectives with the investigation and criminal-charge process.

The Union City Police Department Patrol Division, Jersey City Police Department Intelligence Unit and Weehawken Animal Control Department also provided assistance.

Police acknowledged the cooperation of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the rescue organizations involved in Sabrina’s care.

The investigation illustrates how animal-cruelty cases can require coordination among municipal police, humane law-enforcement personnel, prosecutors and independent rescuers.

Rescue Organizations Continue Sabrina’s Care

Pitbulls & Addicts and Near and Far Rescues helped arrange veterinary treatment after Sabrina was discovered.

The organizations have drawn attention to the seriousness of her condition and the importance of obtaining professional care.

At the time of the November 9 reports, Sabrina remained hospitalized.

Neither an adoption date nor a discharge date has been confirmed.

Her immediate needs are medical stabilization, continued veterinary assessment and an appropriate recovery plan.

Any future adoption or placement announcement should come from the organizations responsible for her care.

Animal Abandonment and Criminal Accountability

New Jersey law provides criminal penalties for certain acts of animal cruelty and abandonment.

However, the specific legal outcome in Sabrina’s case will depend on the evidence, applicable charges and subsequent court proceedings.

Police have announced an arrest and charges. They have not announced a conviction.

It is also important to distinguish Sabrina’s documented medical condition from conclusions about exactly when or how she became malnourished. Investigators may address those questions through veterinary evidence and other records.

Responsible coverage should protect the integrity of that process while keeping Sabrina’s welfare at the center of the story.

Community Vigilance Helped Bring Sabrina to Safety

The case began with a person who noticed an animal in distress and sought help.

That action connected Sabrina with law enforcement and rescue organizations capable of arranging medical treatment.

Weehawken police thanked the Mayor’s Office employee, participating rescue groups and members of the public for their concern.

The department also reaffirmed its commitment to investigating suspected animal abuse and working with community partners to protect animals.

People who encounter a severely neglected or abandoned animal can contact local animal control or law enforcement. Prompt reporting can help authorities arrange treatment and document evidence.

What Happens Next?

Two developments deserve continued attention.

First, Sabrina’s veterinary progress will determine her immediate care needs and whether she can eventually leave the hospital.

Second, the criminal case against Bustamante will proceed through the judicial system. Additional court records may clarify the evidence and the charges.

As of November 9, no confirmed recovery outcome or final criminal disposition has been announced.

For now, Sabrina is receiving professional care, and the organizations that helped rescue her remain important sources for future verified updates.

DefendAnimals.net will continue following her recovery and the legal proceedings without treating allegations as established findings.

Sources

Hudson County View, John Heinis, November 9, 2026: Union City man charged with animal cruelty after abandoning dog in Weehawken.

News 12 New Jersey, Derek Callahan, November 9, 2026: Union City man accused of starving, abandoning pit bull in Weehawken.

Daily Voice, Cecilia Levine, November 9, 2026: Report on Sabrina’s condition, rescue and the criminal charges.