Richard Van Buren, a local politician and Chairman of the Chester Town Board in Waupun, Wisconsin, was arrested on June 19, 2025, in connection with the death of a dog. The incident, which involved allegations of animal abuse, has shocked the local community.
The Incident and Arrest
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest came after a criminal complaint revealed troubling details about the treatment of a golden retriever.
The dog was reportedly found by a woman on June 17, 2025, and appeared to be dehydrated. The woman brought the dog to Van Buren, who serves as the town’s animal control officer.
The woman’s attempt to help the dog led to a disturbing sequence of events. When the dog began barking, Van Buren reportedly became agitated. He allegedly put a leash around the dog’s neck, using it like a “noose,” and pulled the animal through a window.
In a disturbing escalation, the dog bit Van Buren, and he allegedly responded by lifting the dog off the ground by the leash, saying, “this is what we do on this farm when dogs bite.”
The Dog’s Death and Van Buren’s Admission
The dog reportedly started foaming at the mouth, and when the woman intervened, Van Buren allegedly told her that the dog would die because it had bitten him.
He later admitted to authorities that he had held the leash for too long, according to the criminal complaint. This led to charges against Van Buren for mistreating the animal.
Response from the Community and Humane Society
The Humane Society of Dodge County shared their sorrow on social media, expressing grief for the dog and the pain felt by the community.
The statement read, “Our hearts are heavy – for this dog, for the kind person that found them, and for everyone in our community who feels the pain of animals we can’t always reach in time. Thank you for standing with us.”
Legal Proceedings
Van Buren faced charges of mistreating animals, as confirmed by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. He appeared in court on Friday, June 20, 2025, but it remains unclear whether he entered a plea at the time. No information regarding his attorney was immediately available.
The case has sparked outrage in the local community, as many are disturbed by the actions of someone who held a position of trust as an animal control officer. The investigation into the dog’s death continues, and Van Buren will likely face serious legal consequences if the charges against him are proven true.
