Man Accused of Shooting Dog in Rutland County

Poultney man charged in dog shooting

A Poultney man is facing a criminal charge for shooting a dog on his property.

Man accused of shooting dog in Rutland County

A 70-year-old man was issued an animal cruelty citation Saturday after Vermont State Police responded to reports of an injured dog on his property. According to troopers, David Nilsen is accused of shooting a dog.

Police: Poultney man shoots dog, faces animal cruelty charge

Police say a dog was intentionally shot and suffered serious injuries in Poultney.

Man Accused of Shooting Dog in Rutland County, Vermont

Vermont State Police cited 70-year-old David Nilsen of Poultney for animal cruelty after troopers say he intentionally shot a dog that wandered onto his Lewis Road property on August 8, 2026. The dog survived and was treated at a veterinary hospital. Nilsen was not arrested; he received a citation ordering him to appear in Vermont Superior Court on September 21, 2026, to face the charge.[3] A 70-year-old man is facing an animal cruelty citation …