UB Football Players Charged W/ Animal Abuse After Allegedly Beating Dog W/ Belt

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.”

According to prosecutors, both Hiligh and Pilarcek have been dismissed from the UB football team over the allegations. We’ve reached out to the school for comment, but so far, no word back yet.