A rural Spring Valley man accused of shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog on March 20 pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County Court.

Everett Kabage, 85, pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty.

According to the court complaint, the owner of the 2-year-old yellow lab let the dog outside and later realized it had crossed over its invisible fence barrier. The homeowner said he later found the dog in a field with a blood trail leading back to Kabage’s yard and called authorities.

A deputy who spoke with Kabage said he had apparently been drinking at the time and admitted to shooting the dog with a .22-caliber rifle. The dog’s owner said the lab was wearing its collar, as well.

According to the complaint, Kabage offered no explanation for shooting the dog other than it was on his property. Kabage was arrested on June 13 for failing to check in with Mower County Correctional Services. According to documents, he made no attempt to contact the department.