Amherst, NY (WBEN) Two University at Buffalo football players have been dismissed from the program following allegations they beat a dog with a belt in an apartment in Amherst two weeks ago.
Both were arraigned in Amherst Town Court Thursday.
Prosecutors say 19-year-old Blake I. Hiligh of Alexandria, Virginia (pictured below) and 20-year-old Zachary F. Pilarcek of Endicott, New York (pictured above) are accused of beating a dog under their care and custody with a leather belt.
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says occurred inside a Sweet Home Road apartment in Amherst June 13th.
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Flynn says the incident was posted on social media. "Once it got out there, someone saw it and someone made a complaint to the SPCA," says Flynn.
The next day, the SPCA Serving Erie County seized the dog, a 4-year-old male miniature Poodle named "Kobe."
Both defendants were charged and given an appearance ticket to be arraigned today.
The dog was immediately transported to the SPCA Serving Erie County's veterinary team where he received treatment for bruises and abrasions. "Kobe" remains under the care of the SPCA at an undisclosed location.
Hiligh and Pilarcek, both University at Buffalo football players, were subsequently suspended then dismissed from the program.
Pilarcek is scheduled to return on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. Hiligh is scheduled to return on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. Both were released on their own recognizance as charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. Judge Klein issued a temporary order that prevents that defendants from owning or caring for any animals while the case is pending.
If convicted of the charge, both defendants face a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
"I want to thank our partners at the SPCA for their work in this investigation and the many services that they provide to help animals in our community. I also commend the University at Buffalo and the UB Football program for taking immediate action, which further demonstrates that animal abuse will not be tolerated in this community," adds Flynn.
