Town Board Chairman Charged in Dog's Death

Richard Van Buren, chairman of the Chester Town Board in rural Dodge County, Wisconsin, has been arrested and charged with felony animal mistreatment after a golden retriever was killed on his property on June 17, 2025. The incident began when a resident, following humane society instructions, brought the stray dog to Van Buren's farm. According to reports, the dog bit Van Buren before it was fatally restrained with a leash, though witness accounts differ on the specifics. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office and Dodge County Humane Society are actively investigating the case amid significant public attention and concern. Van Buren is currently awaiting court proceedings. Officials continue to withhold further details while the investigation is ongoing and are working to identify the dog's owner.