FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The first beagles rescued from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility have begun adjusting to their new environment, displaying behavior that suggests they feel safe. Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, shared that within an hour of their arrival, the dogs were seeking attention and some even crawled into people’s laps. "I think they are loving the attention. I just know they know they're safe," Simmons said.
Read More
The rescue operation stemmed from a confidential agreement between Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy to purchase 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms for an undisclosed sum. Last month, police used tear gas and pepper spray while confronting protesters who attempted to take the dogs from the facility. In March, protesters broke into Ridglan Farms and took 30 dogs, resulting in 63 individuals being referred for potential charges related to that incident.
Negotiations for the purchase began months prior to the disturbances, and Simmons emphasized that her organization was not involved in the protests. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is collaborating with partners nationwide to find homes for 1,000 of the beagles, while the Center for a Humane Economy will care for the remainder.
More than 700 adoption applications have already been submitted, but it may take time before the dogs are ready for placement as they need to be screened and prepared for adoption. Simmons noted that the first 300 dogs were removed from Ridglan Farms on Friday, with more scheduled for transport in the coming week. The dogs are currently being vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and readied for relocation at a staging area in Wisconsin.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue has already begun transporting some dogs to its facility in western Palm Beach County, Florida. Simmons remarked that younger dogs typically adapt more quickly, while older dogs might require additional time to adjust. Most of the rescued beagles exhibit a willingness to engage with humans and accept affection.
Simmons highlighted that beagles are commonly used in animal testing due to their smaller size and gentle nature, stating, "Beagles are just so trusting and docile and calm and forgiving." She criticized the practice of using such a kind breed for research purposes, emphasizing that this exploitation must end.
Ridglan Farms agreed in October to relinquish its state breeding license by July 1 to avoid felony animal mistreatment charges. Although the firm has denied any maltreatment of animals, a special prosecutor found that they had conducted eye procedures violating veterinary standards.
On April 18, about 1,000 activists gathered at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, to protest for the beagles, but were met with police force, resulting in 29 arrests, with five individuals facing felony burglary charges. Activists have since filed a federal lawsuit claiming that police employed excessive force during the confrontation. Ridglan Farms described the protesters as a "violent mob" attacking a licensed research facility.