Lawmaker arrested for 'strangling golden retriever in front of horrified Good Samaritan'
A town chairman in northern Wisconsin has been arrested for mistreatment of an animal after allegedly strangling a stray dog to death.
Richard Van Buren, 55, was brought a stray golden retriever that a local had found at a nearby nature center on June 17 - since it was part of his job as the chairman of the town of Chester, Wisconsin, to take in lost animals.
According to criminal complaints, he attempted to put a collar on the dog as soon as it arrived, but it bit and resisted.
In response, he dangled it in the air by a leash multiple times, reportedly saying: 'This f***ing dog is going to die.'
The complaint stated: 'The dog's legs were off the ground and suspended about two feet in the air. It was foamed at the mouth.'
He continued to strangle the dog to death and even admitted that he'd dealt with 'aggressive' dogs in the past and it didn't 'end well.'
According to the complaint filed by Shelby Krohn, Van Buren only kept stray dogs for about a week before he 'takes care of it.' Krohn clarified that he meant shooting and killing them.
Krohn was walking along at Marsh Haven Nature Center in Dodge County, Wisconsin, when she came across a panting, terrified golden retriever, and jumped in to rescue it.
She told local outlets it took her 45 minutes to coax the dog into her car before driving off to get some help from the Dodge County Humane society, who sent her to Van Buren's farm.
Krohn told local affiliates: 'When I close my eyes, all I can see is those dog eyes looking at me while this man is strangling him to death and I couldn't do anything. I couldn't do anything.'
'That was not a mistreatment of an animal, that was murder of an animal.'
Shortly after the incident, the Dodge County Humane Society shared a photo of the canine on social media in hopes of finding its original owner.
Instead, people caught wind of the story and chimed in, completely outraged at the ordeal.
One person wrote: 'This whole thing has me shook up. As a dog mom of 4 dogs I could NEVER hurt them or kill them!
Another person added: 'They are my family and get hysterical if they even hurt themselves or is sick. I hope this dog gets justice.'
While a third said: 'I'm guessing this isn't the first time he's abused animals.'
Some even threatened Van Buren, his family, and other local officials.
One wrote: 'This guy is going to be found .... naked in the marsh with a leash around his neck.'
And another said: 'Unfortunately this individual has probably done this before, and has probably extended it beyond animals. If I were other jurisdictions I'd be looking at cold cases.'
Dodge County Humane Society later issued an update via social media, in direct response to the outcry of concern in the community for the lost dog.
'We know many of you are looking for updates on the stray dog found yesterday at the marsh, and we truly appreciate your concern and compassion,' they said, in part.
'Please know that we are working closely with the Dodge County Sheriff's Office as they investigate this case. These processes take time and must be handled thoroughly and lawfully.
'We're incredibly grateful to be part of a community that speaks up for animals. However, we kindly ask that you do not call or email the Dodge County Humane Society or the Sheriff's Office for updates or to request further action - both agencies are actively doing all they can.
'What you can do to help right now is continue sharing the dog's photo so we can hopefully identify its owner.'
The Sheriff's Office also addressed the community in a statement, acknowledging the county's concern over the case.
It said: 'The sheriff would like the community to know that the sheriff's office does not make enforcement decisions based on outcry or pressure from the community as that would be inappropriate and unethical.
'Rather, we take the time to gather the necessary evidence that the district attorney needs for a successful prosecution. While the community may at times request immediate action by a law enforcement agency, that may not always be what is best for the final resolution of a case.'
They also condemned social media users for publicly threatening Van Buren and his family, noting that, 'threats to the personal safety and property of individuals are not only inappropriate but may also be illegal.'
'The sheriff's office will take threats seriously and make arrests as appropriate if they are deemed to be in violation of the law. This includes threats which are made via social media. Other social media posts have been seen that are grossly inaccurate and inflammatory.'
Along with the chorus of social media ridicule, Van Buren faced a single count felony and will appear in court on July 31.
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