University of Buffalo Football Players Charged With Animal Abuse

Two former University of Buffalo football players, Blake Hiligh and Zach Pilarcek, are currently facing animal cruelty charges after a disturbing video surfaced on social media. The video, which was obtained by Spectrum 1 News in Buffalo, reportedly shows the two individuals beating the dog with a leather belt. As a result of the incident, Hiligh and Pilarcek were arraigned in New York and now face charges of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as a misdemeanor charge for failure to provide proper sustenance.

Source: WGRZ-TV/YouTube

The severity of the charges is not to be taken lightly, as animal cruelty is a serious offense that can have profound consequences. If convicted, the former football players could face up to one year in jail. Such penalties reflect society’s growing recognition of the importance of animal welfare and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Following the report of the incident, the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) intervened and took custody of the dog—a four-year-old miniature poodle. The SPCA’s involvement highlights the crucial role that animal welfare organizations play in safeguarding the well-being of animals and responding to instances of cruelty. Their swift action ensures that the dog receives the necessary care and protection.

In response to the allegations, Buffalo football coach Maurice Linguist took immediate action. Upon learning about the incident, he suspended Hiligh and Pilarcek from the team and subsequently dismissed them. Coach Linguist emphasized that the UB football program maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior and expects its student-athletes not only to excel in their athletic and academic pursuits but also to uphold exemplary standards of citizenship within the community.

The actions taken by the coach demonstrate the commitment of the University of Buffalo and its athletic program to fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. Incidents like these tarnish the reputation of sports programs and remind us of the need for athletes to be held to a higher standard as role models and representatives of their institutions.

As of now, neither Hiligh nor Pilarcek is listed on the Buffalo football team’s roster. Hiligh, a cornerback, participated in one game during the previous season, while Pilarcek, a tight end, did not play. Their removal from the team shows a clear message that their actions are not in line with the values and expectations of the university and its athletic program.

The charges against Hiligh and Pilarcek should serve as a reminder that acts of animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our society. It is undeniable that animals are deserving of our care and protection. The legal process will determine the outcome of this case, but regardless of the verdict, it is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about animal cruelty and work towards preventing similar incidents from occurring in the first place.

Sign this petition to take action and find justice for animal cruelty victims.

Speak Up by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Georgia Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Authorities Found 106 Dogs Bred for Fighting
• Petition: Demand Animal Cruelty Charge For Montana Woman Who Shot and Skinned a Dog 
• Penn State Professor Accused Of Sexual Animal Abuse in PA State Forest
• Man Accused of Killing High School 4H Animals Charged with Animal Abuse
• Geneva Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges for Trapping and Setting Racoon on Fire

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in typical household and personal care products!