A small Wisconsin town is reeling after a local official accused of animal cruelty died just weeks after his controversial arrest.

Richard Van Buren, the town board chairman and animal control officer in Chester, Wisconsin, was arrested for allegedly mistreating a golden retriever that later died and passed away weeks later from surgical complications, as People reports.

On June 17, a concerned woman discovered a golden retriever that appeared dehydrated along State Highway 49 in Dodge County. Unsure of what to do, she contacted the local police and the Dodge County Humane Society. She was eventually directed to Richard Van Buren, 55, who not only chaired the Chester Town Board but also served as the town’s designated animal control officer.

According to a criminal complaint filed later, the situation escalated when the woman brought the dog to Van Buren’s property. The report states that Van Buren became visibly upset when the dog began barking. In what authorities describe as a disturbing incident, Van Buren allegedly used a leash like a noose and pulled the dog through a window.

Witness accounts and legal documents reveal that the dog bit Van Buren during the encounter. In response, he allegedly suspended the animal off the ground and told the woman, “This is what we do on this farm when dogs bite.” The dog reportedly began to foam at the mouth while the woman pleaded to assist the animal, but Van Buren told her the dog would die because it had bitten him.

Animal cruelty allegations emerge

After the incident, Van Buren acknowledged to investigators that he might have held the dog’s leash for too long. The case swiftly drew media coverage and a wave of community concern amid ongoing conversations about animal welfare and the responsibilities of public servants. Just two days later, on June 19, Van Buren was officially arrested and charged with mistreating an animal.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest in a public statement, and many residents expressed shock that a town leader and animal control officer was implicated in such a grave accusation.

The Dodge County Humane Society publicly stated that they were cooperating with law enforcement and encouraged support from the public. Though not named initially, the golden retriever referenced in the social media post was later tied to the case against Van Buren.

News outlets across the state, including Wisconsin Public Radio and local affiliates FOX 11 and CBS 58, covered the case as details continued to surface.

Amid growing scrutiny, questions emerged about Van Buren’s conduct, training, and fitness to serve in both capacities -- as board chairman and animal control agent.

Sudden death brings unexpected turn to case

Just two weeks after his arrest, Van Buren died on July 3 following complications from an undisclosed surgical procedure. He was 55. Authorities have not released the nature of the surgery, and it is unclear whether his legal situation played any role in the timing of his medical treatment.

The sudden death has complicated the legal proceedings, closing the chapter on the criminal charges without judicial resolution. Some members of the community expressed sorrow over the unresolved questions and conflicting emotions surrounding Van Buren’s life and alleged actions.

The Dodge County Humane Society, while not referencing Van Buren's death directly, released a heartfelt statement in the wake of the incident. “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,” the organization shared. “Thank you for standing with us.”

Lessons to learn

1. Know when to call professionals. While well-intentioned, members of the public should be cautious about voluntarily bringing stray or injured animals to individuals without proper training or support. It’s best to contact local authorities and insist on humane society intervention.

2. Don’t rely on titles alone. Van Buren’s roles as both town chairman and animal control officer gave him an air of authority, but official titles do not always guarantee trustworthy action. Always observe a person’s behavior and seek a second opinion if something feels wrong.

3. Recognize the unpredictability of crime. No matter how cautious we are, dangerous or unethical behavior can arise unexpectedly, even from those in leadership. These situations are never the victim's fault, and we must focus on systemic changes and community awareness to prevent future harm.

Why this story matters

This story highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability among public officials, especially those responsible for animal welfare.

It underscores the importance of reporting questionable behavior, even when it involves authority figures. It also serves as a call for stronger protocols regarding the treatment of animals in local jurisdictions.