Chester Town Board Chairman Arrested for Animal Mistreatment in Dog Death

Richard Van Buren, chairman of the Chester Town Board in Dodge County, Wisconsin, was arrested on a charge of mistreating animals following an incident that resulted in the death of a golden retriever in rural Waupun. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details, emphasizing that enforcement decisions are based on evidence rather than public outcry. Authorities also addressed the spread of inaccurate and inflammatory information on social media, including false claims involving other county officials, and stated that threats made against individuals involved would be taken seriously and could lead to arrest. The incident has drawn significant community attention and sparked emotional responses online, prompting law enforcement to remind the public to report suspected animal abuse properly. Sheriff Dale Schmidt highlighted the department's commitment to thorough investigations and cautioned against snap judgments that could jeopardize legal proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing as Van Buren awaits his initial court appearance.