Full Breakdown
Rescue Deal Secures 1,500 Beagles from Wisconsin Research Facility
5/1/2026, 2:50:59 PM
Purchase Secures 1,500 Beagles
In March 2026 activists broke into Ridglan Farms, taking 30 beagles. On April 18 2026 about 1,000 activists gathered, police used tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray, resulting in 29 arrests, five felony burglary charges and 63 referrals. Two days later, on April 20, Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy announced purchase of 1,500 of the roughly 2,000 beagles.
Background
Activists have pressed for a decade to have beagles adopted instead of research. A March break-in removed 30 beagles. October, Ridglan Farms agreed to surrender its breeding license effective July 1, 2026, after a prosecutor found its eye procedures violated standards. The farm denies mistreatment, calling protestors a “violent mob.”
Timeline
- March 2026: Activists break into Ridglan Farms, taking 30 beagles.
- April 18 2026: Approximately 1,000 activists gather; police deploy tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray; 29 arrests, five felony burglary charges, 63 referrals.
- April 20 2026: Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy announce purchase of 1,500 of the roughly 2,000 beagles.
Official Statements
Lauree Simmons, president of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, said the purchase will move the dogs into loving homes and detailed plans for medical exams, microchipping, vaccinations and training. Ridglan Farms denied mistreatment, calling the activists a “violent mob” that assaulted a licensed research facility. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrests. A special prosecutor’s report found the farm’s eye-procedure program violated veterinary standards.
Criticism
Activists filed a federal lawsuit alleging police used unnecessary force during the April 18 confrontation. They also argue that buying only part of the beagles does not guarantee permanent placement for the remaining animals and call for full adoption of all dogs.
Conflicts
The purchase agreement does not disclose the price or the exact number of beagles that will remain after the 1,500 are removed. Ridglan Farms has not commented on the terms, leaving the fate of the estimated 500 unaccounted dogs uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a very big win and I am ecstatic to have these dogs out and get them into loving homes,” — Lauree Simmons, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “What they did was put the message out,” — Lauree Simmons
- “Ridglan has said those who tried to break in were a “violent mob” who launched “an assault on a federally licensed research facility.” — Ridglan Farms
- “What we did, we wanted to do legally and in the best way and for the best outcome of these dogs for the future.” — Lauree Simmons
What’s Next
The 1,500 beagles will be transported later this week for health screenings and adoption processing. Legal actions stemming from the activists’ lawsuit and the pending felony charges are expected to proceed. Ridglan Farms will cease breeding on July 1, pending compliance with the licensing agreement.
