Town Leader Strangled a Lost Golden Retriever in Front of a Good Samaritan—Now the Public Demands Justice
In a horrifying act of cruelty that has shaken a Wisconsin community, a town leader killed a lost golden retriever he was supposed to protect. The incident was witnessed by a local woman who tried desperately to save the dog’s life but instead watched in shock as the animal was choked to death before her eyes. (Watch Video Above)
Authorities arrested the man—identified as Richard Van Buren, chairman of the Chester town board—on charges of animal mistreatment. But residents say that’s not enough. A man who abused his power and committed such violence against an innocent dog should never again hold a position of authority.
👉 SIGN THE PETITION to demand a lifetime ban on animal ownership and removal from public office.
A Rescue Attempt That Turned into a Nightmare
On June 19, Shelby Krohn, a Waupun resident and self-described “golden mama,” spotted a stray golden retriever wandering in a field near the Town of Chester. Concerned for the dog’s safety, she calmed the animal, gave it water, and called the Humane Society for instructions.
To her surprise, she was told to take the lost dog to Van Buren’s farm because of where it was found. Trusting that advice, Krohn drove the pup to the location, expecting help. What happened next will haunt her forever.
“I had tears streaming down my face as he ripped the dog, that innocent soul, out of my car and was choking it in the air,” Krohn recalled. “He charged my car, yelled at the dog, turned his leash into a noose, and killed him right in front of me.”
Despite her pleas, the golden retriever—whom she later named Goldy—died on the scene.
Arrested but Still in Power
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office quickly arrested Van Buren on animal cruelty charges. Bodycam footage reportedly shows him being taken into custody, face pressed to the sand, as beachgoers and witnesses clapped in relief that the dog was finally out of his grasp.
Yet even after the arrest, Van Buren continues to hold his position as Chester’s town chairman. For many in the community, that’s unthinkable.
“He should not now—or ever again—be trusted with responsibility, let alone public authority,” one neighbor said. “If he can treat a dog this way, what does that say about his judgment and compassion?”
👉 SIGN THE PETITION to remove this dog-killer from public office and ensure he faces the maximum penalties allowed by law.
Community Outrage and Humane Society Response
The Dodge County Humane Society released a powerful statement condemning the act:
“We are heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the recent incident involving the death of a dog in the Town of Chester. This tragic act stands in direct opposition to the values of compassion, responsibility and care that we strive to uphold. No animal deserves to suffer or die because of negligence or cruelty.”
Neighbors and advocates echoed the outrage, rallying behind Krohn as she grieves the traumatic experience. Her friend Karen Mohr said, “She loves dogs. I cannot believe this happened to her. He needs to be held accountable.”
Krohn herself is still shaken. “I will never get over this emotionally,” she said. “I just want his responsibility taken away.”
Why Accountability Matters
This isn’t just about one golden retriever. Research consistently shows a dangerous link between animal cruelty and other forms of violence. When someone in a position of authority commits such cruelty, it’s not only a betrayal of trust—it’s a warning sign that cannot be ignored.
People who inflict violence on animals should face more than temporary consequences. They must be permanently barred from animal ownership and prevented from holding positions of power that require responsibility and care. Without meaningful accountability, these cycles of abuse will continue.
👉 SIGN THE PETITION now to demand Richard Van Buren is removed from office, banned from ever owning animals, and required to undergo counseling.
Goldy Deserved Better
For Krohn, the pain is personal. She named the golden retriever Goldy in his memory, a way to honor the sweet soul who never made it to safety. “Golden retrievers are angels,” she said. “He deserved so much better.”
The tragedy has galvanized thousands who believe Goldy’s death should spark change. Allowing someone who killed a dog in cold blood to remain in leadership is unacceptable. This moment is a chance for Wisconsin officials to prove that compassion and justice matter more than protecting titles or reputations.
Goldy didn’t survive—but his story can help ensure no other animal suffers the same fate.
SIGN THE PETITION to demand justice for Goldy and ensure his abuser never harms another animal again.
✍️ Together, we can turn heartbreak into action. By speaking up now, we can make sure this man loses both his authority and his ability to ever harm an animal again.
To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:
- Town Leader Strangled a Lost Golden Retriever in Front of a Good Samaritan—Now the Public Demands Justice
- Man Tried to Drown His Dog in Miami Beach Ocean as Horrified Crowd Watched. Now the Public Wants Justice.
- Ten Dogs Lost Forever in Trainer’s Care. Families Deserve Justice.
- Thirteen Puppies Left to Suffer in 104-Degree Garage While Owner Walked Free
- Seven Dogs Endured 8 Inches of Waste in Camper—Now the Public Wants Justice
