Former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs is reportedly expected to face two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after a civil petition was filed in court on Wednesday requesting an animal protection hearing for him.
The news comes from Ryan Philips of the Tuscaloosa Patch. In the petition, Buggs is accused of keeping a gray and white pitbull in a screened-in back porch surrounded by feces and with no access to food or water.
In addition, a black Rottweiler mix was found at the residence and locked in a metal cage and in direct sunlight without any access to food or water. Neighbors claimed that both dogs had been on the back porch for at least 10 days.
The petition goes on to state that the two dogs were taken by authorities on March 28 due to being severely "malnourished, emaciated and neglected."
Here’s the civil petition filed today in Tuscaloosa County District Court requesting an animal protection hearing for Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman and former Alabama standout Isaiah Buggs.
— Ryan Phillips (@JournoRyan) May 29, 2024
Buggs is expected to face two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. pic.twitter.com/4EpB9ewnhr
Police reported that Buggs' lease was terminated due to owing $3,116.90 in back rent. Witnesses state that the Alabama product moved out on March 19. Sadly, the pitbull was ultimately euthanized, but the Rottweiler remains in the care of Tuscaloosa County Metro Animal Shelter.
Buggs' attorney has since released a statement denying the accusations against his client.
Statement from #Chiefs DL Isaiah Buggs’ agent, Trey Robinson, who says his client has been the subject of police harassment and arrested two times over his refusal to close his Tuscaloosa hookah joint. pic.twitter.com/jX1aolYQLy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 29, 2024
Buggs spent the last two seasons with the Lions, appearing in 27 games (16 starts). He has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is currently under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
