Full Breakdown
Ridglan Farms to Close: 475 Beagles Transfer to Big Dog Ranch Rescue
6/16/2026, 3:09:34 AM
Facility Closure and Dog Transfer
Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research site in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, will cease all activities by August 2026. Under an agreement, Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take the 475 beagles—325 in June and 150 puppies in August—ending breeding, sales and testing.
Background, Context, and Timeline
Activists targeted Ridglan Farms in 2025, breaking in March to remove 30 dogs and staging an April raid that prompted tear-gas. A 2025 prosecutor report cited a cherry-eye procedure violating standards, leading to a settlement that required surrender of state breeding license. Timeline: Mar 2025 – 30 dogs removed; Apr 2025 – tear-gas raid and ~1,500-beagle purchase; Oct 2025 – license surrender; Jun 15-16 2026 – 325 dogs transferred; Aug 2026 – 150 puppies transferred, farm closes.
Data, Statistics, and Impact
475 beagles will be moved—325 in June, 150 in August. The rescue has already relocated 2,110 beagles and received over 7,000 adoption applications. Closing the second-largest U.S. beagle supplier may curb reliance on canine models and shift research funding; adoption demand shows support for animal-welfare reforms.
Official Statements & Responses
BDRR called the deal a “historic victory” and pledged spay-neuter and adoption. Ridglan Farms asked to end the “years-long harassment campaign” and hold assault perpetrators accountable. Center for a Humane Economy called the outcome “extraordinary news.” DATCP reported no animal-care violations in its May 2026 inspection.
Criticism & Opposition
Activists filed a suit alleging excessive force; they dismissed it in June 2026 to avoid interfering with criminal cases against leaders like Wayne Hsiung. Critics warned the settlement let the farm avoid prosecution while permitting limited testing on dogs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the 325 dogs were purchased and the 150 donated or all 475 transferred as a batch. Reported total rescues range from 2,110 to “more than 2,000.” The farm’s property use is undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No more breeding, no more selling, no more testing, and full closure. Not one dog will remain.” — Lauree Simmons, CEO, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “We are praying that the courts have a leniency on them, and see what they were doing was out of love for the animals,” — Lauree Simmons, CEO, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “We’ve been assured that every one of them will be kept safe and unharmed throughout this process,” — Lauree Simmons, CEO, Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- “Now that transfer plans have been finalized for the rest of Ridglan Farms’ dogs, we ask that the years-long harassment campaign targeting the research facility’s owners, staff and neighbors comes to an end,” — Ridglan Farms statement
What’s Next
The August 2026 transfer will complete the relocation. BDRR will run adoption drives and push for federal legislation requiring research facilities to rehome animals after studies. Wisconsin regulators will monitor compliance with the licensing surrender.
