A local official in Wisconsin is facing backlash and death threats for allegedly mistreating a lost golden retriever in front of a rescuer. Town of Chester Chairman Richard Van Buren, 55, has been charged with felony mistreatment of an animal after using a leash to harm the dog.
Shelby Krohn, who rescued the dog, tearfully shared her experience with Fox 6, stating, “That was not mistreatment of an animal; that was murder of an animal. And I’ve seen this and witnessed this.”
Krohn found the scared dog and took it to Van Buren’s farm as instructed by the Dodge County Humane Society. However, Van Buren allegedly lifted the dog by its neck with a leash, leading to a tragic outcome.
The incident has sparked strong reactions, with some resorting to violence. Facebook banned revenge posts against Van Buren, and the sheriff’s office issued a warning against making threats.
Van Buren is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 31. The Humane Society is urging calm and asking for assistance in identifying the dog’s owner.
The post concluded with a quote from Immanuel Kant: “We can judge the heart of man by his treatment of animals.”
