Rutland Barracks / Animal Cruelty

VSP News Release-Incident

 

 

STATE OF VERMONT

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

      

 

CASE#: 26B4006084

 

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Bruce Cleaver       

 

STATION: Rutland Barracks                

 

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

 

DATE/TIME: August 8th at approximately 1043hours

 

INCIDENT LOCATION: Lewis Rd, Poultney, VT

VIOLATION: Animal Cruelty

 

 

ACCUSED: David Nilsen                                               

 

AGE: 70

 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Poultney, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

 

On August 8, 2026, at approximately 1043 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks responded to the report of a dog that had been shot on Lewis Rd in Poultney. Through investigation, it was determined that David Nilsen of Poultney, intentionally and without just cause shot the dog after it came onto his property, causing serious injuries. The dog was brought by his owner to a nearby Veterinarian Hospital and is in stable condition.   Nilsen was issued a citation to appear before the Vermont Superior Court - Rutland Criminal Division on 09/21/26 to answer to the charge of Animal Cruelty.

 

 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

 

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/21/26 at 1000 hours           

 

COURT: Rutland County

 

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

 

BAIL: N/A

 

MUGSHOT: N/A

 

 

 

*Please note:  court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.

 

 

 

Trooper Bruce Cleaver

Vermont State Police

124 State Place

Rutland, VT 05701

Barracks: 802-773-9101

Email: Bruce.Cleaver@Vermont.Gov