Beagles rescued from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility have shown signs of understanding their newfound safety. Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, reported that many of the dogs approached their handlers for affection shortly after being removed. "Every single one of them is super sweet. I just know they know they're safe," she stated.
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Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy reached a confidential agreement to acquire 1,500 dogs from Ridglan Farms for an undisclosed amount. This facility had previously been the site of protests, where law enforcement used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse activists attempting to rescue beagles last month. Earlier, in March, protesters had broken into Ridglan Farms and rescued 30 dogs, leading to 63 people being referred to the district attorney for possible charges.
Negotiations for the purchase of the dogs had begun before the protests, and Simmons clarified that her organization was not directly involved in the demonstrations. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is now collaborating with partners nationwide to find homes for approximately 1,000 of the beagles, while the Center for a Humane Economy will place the remaining dogs. Simmons noted that more than 700 adoption applications have been received, but preparing the dogs for adoption will take time as they are screened for new homes and moved to shelters.
The initial 300 dogs were removed from Ridglan Farms on Friday, with additional removals planned over the coming week. The groups have established a staging area in Wisconsin where the dogs are being vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and readied for transport. Big Dog Ranch Rescue has already begun relocating some dogs to its facility in western Palm Beach County, Florida.
Simmons mentioned that younger dogs typically adapt more quickly to their new environments, while older dogs may require more time to adjust. Beagles are often used in animal testing due to their smaller size and gentle nature, which Simmons argues is a significant reason for their mistreatment.
Ridglan Farms agreed in October to relinquish its state breeding license effective July 1 as part of a deal to avoid felony charges related to animal mistreatment. The facility has denied allegations of mistreatment, although a special prosecutor found that it had conducted eye procedures in violation of state regulations.
On April 18, approximately 1,000 activists attempted to rescue the beagles from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, but were confronted by police who employed tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department reported that 29 individuals were arrested, with five facing felony burglary charges. Activists have also filed a federal lawsuit claiming police used excessive force during the protests.