Closure of Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility as Dogs Are Rescued

A Wisconsin beagle breeding and research facility, Ridglan Farms, is closing, and its remaining 475 beagles will be taken in by Big Dog Ranch Rescue, a Florida-based organization. The closure follows years of opposition to the facility, which culminated in violent protests in April when animal welfare activists attempted to rescue dogs.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced the agreement for the facility's permanent closure and began transferring the beagles this week. Lauree Simmons, the group's founder, emphasized that no dogs will remain at Ridglan Farms, stating, "No more breeding, no more testing, no more anything."

Earlier protests included a significant incident where police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse activists, resulting in many arrests. Some protesters had previously broken into the facility in March, taking 30 dogs.

Initially, Big Dog Ranch Rescue acquired about 1,500 of the over 2,000 beagles in April. According to Simmons, around 200 dogs were transferred on Monday, with another 125 set to be moved on Tuesday. The remaining puppies will be transferred in August.

Simmons urged protesters to cease further demonstrations and focus on supporting the dogs as they transition to new homes. "These dogs will get to experience safety and a normal life for the first time," she stated.

The group is also collaborating with the Trump administration to halt funding for studies that involve invasive testing on dogs. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, declared the closure a "major win for animal welfare".

Ridglan Farms stated that all dogs being transferred are "happy, healthy animals" backed by extensive inspection documentation. The facility hopes the closure ends what they describe as a harassment campaign directed at their staff and owners.

For years, animal activists had advocated for the adoption of the beagles instead of their sale to other research facilities. Beagles are frequently used in testing due to their manageable size and gentle nature. Ridglan Farms agreed in October 2025 to surrender its state breeding license as part of an arrangement to avoid prosecution for alleged animal mistreatment, which they continue to deny.