MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce was accused of neglecting one of his dogs in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

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 Jan. 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.

SPCA chief Walt Mychal stressed that Pierce was not charged with anything related to dogfighting 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.

Pierce and the team would not comment, Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said Thursday.