Town Pol Accused of Strangling Golden Retriever—And People Are Pissed
Okay, this one’s rough. Richard Van Buren—yeah, the Town of Chester Chairman—is in deep trouble after witnesses say he straight-up strangled a golden retriever. Like, lifted the poor thing by its leash while yelling, “This f–king dog is going to die.” I mean, come on. If this is true, it’s not just animal cruelty—it’s a power trip gone sickeningly wrong. And honestly? It makes you wonder who the hell we’ve got running things.
So What Actually Went Down?
The Incident
According to people who saw it happen, Van Buren yanked the dog off the ground by its collar, choking it. And that threat? Multiple folks heard it. The dog was freaking out, obviously, before someone—no one’s sure who—took it away. A real mess.
Where and Why?
This all went down outside some government building in Chester last Tuesday. No clue how the dog got there—maybe a stray, maybe someone’s pet. Van Buren’s story? Yeah, we’re still waiting on that. Classic.
Who Is This Guy, Anyway?
Van Buren’s Deal
He’s been Town Chairman for like ten years. Known for being a hardass, but this? This is next-level. Some folks say he’s got a temper—shouting matches at town meetings and all that—but strangling a dog? That’s a whole new low.
People Are Not Happy
Social media’s blowing up. There are petitions, protests, the works. Even the local SPCA called it a “disgusting abuse of power.” And they’re not wrong. When someone in charge does something like this, it’s not just about the dog—it’s about trust. And right now? That’s gone.
What Happens Next?
Legal Stuff
Animal cruelty’s a felony here. If they nail him on this, Van Buren could do time—up to two years. But here’s the thing: he’s connected. Local cops, judges… it’s gonna get messy.
Bigger Picture
Let’s be real—this isn’t just one guy losing his cool. It’s about what we let people in power get away with. Like that ethics prof said: “Abuse the defenseless, and suddenly nobody believes in leadership anymore.” Harsh, but true.
Where’s the Dog Now?
No One Knows
Seriously. Some rumors say it’s at a shelter, but no confirmation. Animal groups are pushing to find it, obviously. Fingers crossed the poor thing’s okay.
Why This Matters
Think about it—if a town chairman can do this in public and walk away, what’s stopping anyone else? That’s the scary part. Laws need teeth, especially when the people breaking them wear suits.
What Can You Do?
Speak Up
Saw something? Take pics, call the SPCA (1-800-555-HELP), don’t just scroll past. Silence helps the bad guys.
Get Involved
Donate to shelters. Push for tougher laws. Show up. Because at the end of the day, this dog’s story can’t just be another headline we forget tomorrow.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just about a dog. It’s about who we are. If someone like Van Buren gets away with this, what’s next? That’s up to us. And right now? People aren’t letting it slide. Good.
Source: NY Post – US News