New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, whose father is Bermudian, was accused of neglecting one of his dogs in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

According to reports on ESPN the Middlesex County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a summons Wednesday. The group said Pierce's two pit bulls escaped from a fenced enclosure in his yard on January 30 - just days before the game.

Pierce was issued the summons because one of the dogs was found to be underweight and suffering from a respiratory illness, officials said.

Mr. Pierce was not charged with anything related to dog fighting and could face only a fine, not jail time, if convicted. In New Jersey, the SPCA has authority to bring charges in animal cruelty cases.

The report did not say who was taking care of the dogs while Pierce was at the Super Bowl in Arizona.