A Vergas teen was sentenced to three days in Otter Tail County Jail for shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog on July 1, 2024.

Bodi Engebretson, 19, pleaded guilty to mistreating an animal and was ordered to pay $1,800 in restitution and serve two years of probation. Engebretson must also comply with the following conditions: 

• Follow all State and Federal criminal laws.

• Contact probation officer as directed.

• Tell probation officer within 72 hours of any contact with law enforcement, charged with any new crime, of any change of address, employment, or telephone number.

• Cooperate with the search of person, residence, vehicle, workplace, property, and things as directed by probation officer.

• Sign releases of information as directed.

• Give a DNA sample when directed.

• Do not use or possess firearms, ammunition or explosives

• Obtain Permission from Agent before leaving the State

• Complete Comprehensive Assessment and follow all recommendations, including aftercare.

• No mood-altering chemicals with the exception of prescribed medications.

• Random testing

• Mental Health Evaluation /assessment and follow all recommendations.

• Pay restitution

Engebretson was ordered by the court to report to the county jail by Monday, May 19.

According to court documents, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department received a report on July 1, 2024 of a dog having been shot the prior evening. The owners said they let the dog out at 10 p.m. the previous night and 15 minutes later, they heard their 3-year-old labradoodle squealing and whining. When they went to check on her, the canine was already deceased. The owners did not report hearing gunshots.

Deputies reported the deck where the dog died was barricaded in order to keep the dog on the porch when let out. Deputies believed the suspect would have had to be in close range to shoot the dog.

Later, investigators received tips including that Engebretson’s father was upset that he had killed the dog and should take accountability.

Engebretson admitted to officials that he had shot the dog with an air gun. However, he denied being on the neighbor’s property, claiming the dog was on his property when he shot it.