Two former University at Buffalo football players are facing potential jail time after being accused of brutally beating a miniature poodle. Blake Hiligh, 19, and Zachary Pilarcek, 20, were charged with animal cruelty following an investigation into a June 14 incident. The charges stem from a video allegedly showing the abuse of a 4-year-old dog named Kobe.
The SPCA received an anonymous tip containing a video of the alleged abuse. According to reports, the video, which appears to have been posted on Snapchat, shows Hiligh striking the dog with what seems to be a leather belt while Pilarcek filmed the incident. The abuse allegedly took place at an apartment shared by the two players, with the dog belonging to Hiligh. The SPCA collaborated with University at Buffalo Police, who had also received reports of the incident.
Following the investigation, Kobe was taken into protective custody by the SPCA and received veterinary care for bruises and abrasions. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced the charges against Hiligh and Pilarcek, stating that both players were subsequently dismissed from the University at Buffalo football team. Head Coach Maurice Linguist emphasized the program's zero tolerance policy for such behavior, highlighting the expectation that student-athletes be upstanding members of the community.
Both former players are now facing potential jail sentences of up to one year if convicted. The District Attorney expressed gratitude for the SPCA's investigation and commended the University at Buffalo for its swift action in addressing the situation.
