Full Breakdown
1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Facility
5/4/2026, 6:07:05 AM
Rescue Operation and Immediate Transfer
On April 19, 300 beagles were taken from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and placed in a staging area. They are being vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is moving its share to a shelter in Palm Beach County, while the Center for a Humane Economy will care for the remaining dogs.
Facility Background and Animal Testing Role
Ridglan Farms, a state-licensed breeder, supplies beagles—the most common breed for laboratory testing—due to their size and temperament. In October the farm agreed to surrender its breeding license effective July 1, 2025, after a special prosecutor found its eye-procedure practices violated veterinary standards. The company denies mistreatment.
Timeline of Key Actions
March 2024: Activists seized 30 beagles; 63 later faced charges. April 18, 2024: 1,000 protesters faced tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray, leading to 29 arrests and five felony burglary charges. From April 19, dogs were removed, completing transfer of 1,500 beagles. October 2024: Ridglan agreed to surrender its license.
Scale and Logistics
The rescue covers 1,500 beagles. 300 were taken on April 19; the remaining 1,200 followed. Big Dog Ranch Rescue plans to place 1,000 dogs with families; Center for a Humane Economy will house 500. 700 adoption applications have been received. Authorities noted 29 arrests, five felony burglary charges, and 63 referrals from the March incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Lauree Simmons, Big Dog Ranch Rescue president, said the dogs appear safe and are undergoing health checks. Center for a Humane Economy will care for remaining dogs. Ridglan Farms denies mistreatment but accepted license-surrender deal to avoid felony prosecution. Dane County Sheriff’s Department reported arrests and charges; activists have filed a federal lawsuit alleging unnecessary police force.
Criticism & Opposition
Animal-rights activists argue that using beagles—described as trusting and docile—for laboratory testing is unethical and that police use of tear gas and rubber bullets exceeded necessity, calling for an end to beagle-based experiments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on outcomes: 63 were referred for charges after the March break-in, yet only 29 were arrested during the April protest. The federal lawsuit’s outcome is unreported, and Ridglan Farms has not commented on the dogs’ health or placement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They started within an hour or so coming up to us, wanting attention. Some crawled in people's laps. Every single one of them are super sweet,” — Lauree Simmons, President, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “The younger dogs will adjust quicker, and the older dogs will take time,” — Lauree Simmons, President, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “A Belgian Malinois is not going to put up with being tested on, being confined in a kennel their whole life,” — Lauree Simmons, President, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “violent mob” who launched “an assault on a federally licensed research facility.” — Ridglan Farms spokesperson
Upcoming Developments
Ridglan Farms will surrender its breeding license on July 1, 2025. Adoption of the rescued beagles continues nationwide as applications are screened. The pending federal lawsuit may affect future protest-policing policies.
