Protests Erupt Over Beagle Treatment at Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin

Animal welfare activists gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Monday, calling on Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul to intervene in the situation at Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research facility located in Blue Mounds. The protests followed a significant demonstration on Saturday, where approximately 1,000 activists attempted to breach the facility, which houses an estimated 2,000 beagles. The confrontation with law enforcement escalated, resulting in the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, leading to 29 arrests.

The Independent

Ridglan Farms has operated for over 60 years, claiming to support biomedical research that benefits both humans and animals. The facility has stated that it is committed to animal welfare and has denied allegations of mistreatment. However, in October, Ridglan agreed to relinquish its state breeding license effective July 1, 2026, as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges. Activists, including Aidan Kankyoku from the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, are demanding that state officials take action to investigate ongoing allegations of animal cruelty and facilitate the release of the beagles.

The Independent

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett defended the police response to the protests, stating that the actions taken were “appropriate and decisive” given the risk posed by the large number of protesters. Barrett noted that officers were outnumbered, with only 26 present to manage the situation. He described the protesters as organized into groups with varying intentions, including some willing to commit acts of felony breaking and entering. The sheriff's department released videos showing incidents during the protest, including one where an activist allegedly took a baton from an officer.

The Independent

Ridglan Farms has criticized the activists, claiming they have spread false information about the facility and its practices, which has led to threats against staff members. The facility expressed concern over the level of anger directed at its employees and stated that those arrested during the protests should be held accountable for their actions.

The Independent

Democratic U.S. Representative Mark Pocan has urged state officials to collaborate with Ridglan Farms to develop a plan for the safe release of the beagles, emphasizing the need to avoid overwhelming animal placement groups and preventing potential euthanasia of the dogs. Pocan also raised concerns during a recent congressional hearing regarding federal grants to organizations utilizing beagles from Ridglan Farms, prompting Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to commit to investigating the matter further.

The Independent

While Ridglan Farms maintains that no credible evidence of animal abuse has been substantiated, activists continue to assert that the facility is involved in ongoing animal cruelty. The discrepancy between the facility's claims and the activists' allegations highlights the contentious nature of the situation, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.

The Independent

• “We just want the dogs out,” — Aidan Kankyoku, Co-leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs

The Independent

• “We were outnumbered,” — Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff's Department

The Independent

• “have spread false and highly misleading claims about our research and our deep commitment to animal welfare, fueling dangerous levels of anger and hatred.” — Ridglan Farms Statement

The Independent