Two University of Buffalo football players have been charged with animal abuse … after prosecutors say they were seen on video earlier this month beating a 4-year-old miniature Poodle with a leather belt.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office … the incident happened at around 9 PM on June 13 inside an apartment in Amherst, N.Y.
Authorities allege 19-year-old Blake Hiligh, a cornerback, and 20-year-old Zachary Pilarcek, a tight end, filmed themselves striking the dog repeatedly … in what was an apparent attempt to discipline the animal. Prosecutors say the two then uploaded the footage to social media.
On June 14, prosecutors say they hit both men with one misdemeanor charge of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals.
Officials also say the poodle, named Kobe, was seized and transported to a local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals … where it received treatment for abrasions and bruises.
Both Hiligh and Pilarcek appeared in court for their arraignment on Thursday … and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following the proceedings, Hiligh’s attorney told a group of reporters, “My client regrets the actions.”
“We love our dogs,” the lawyer added. “We love our pets. Sometimes they do frustrate us. Sometimes we do discipline them sometimes. I don’t believe it was in a cruel manner.”
Both Hiligh and Pilarcek have been dismissed from the UB football team over the allegations.
“The UB football program has zero tolerance for this type of behavior,” UB football head coach Maurice Linguist said.
“After learning about this incident, I immediately suspended the two young men from all team activities before permanently dismissing them from the program earlier this month. At UB, not only do we expect our student-athletes to excel on the field and in the classroom, but we also expect them to be outstanding citizens in our community.”
Hiligh, who played in five games for the Bulls last season, is due back in court for another hearing in the case in early August. Meanwhile, Pilarcek’s next court date is slated for late July.
