Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin beagle breeding and research facility that has faced significant protests, is set to close, with its remaining 475 dogs being transferred to a Florida rescue group. Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced the closure on Monday, stating that all dogs will be rescued, marking the end of breeding and testing operations at the facility.
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Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, confirmed during a news conference that "Not one dog will remain." The facility located in Blue Mounds had been a target for animal welfare activists, leading to violent protests, particularly in April when activists attempted to rescue beagles, resulting in police intervention.
In March, some protesters broke in and took 30 dogs, which intensified the opposition to Ridglan Farms. The facility is about 25 miles southwest of Madison. Big Dog Ranch Rescue previously acquired approximately 1,500 out of over 2,000 beagles from the facility in April.
Some of the rescued beagles have already reached the Bay Area after a 2,000-mile journey, and reports indicate they are now experiencing comforts such as walking on grass and drinking from bowls. The organization plans to transfer about 200 dogs this Monday and another 125 by Tuesday, with the remaining puppies being transferred in August.
Simmons urged protesters to halt further demonstrations now that Ridglan Farms has agreed to cease its dog breeding and research operations. She emphasized the importance of supporting the dogs as they adjust to their new lives. Simmons also mentioned her organization is collaborating with the Trump administration to end funding for studies involving invasive procedures on dogs. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, referred to the closure as a “major win for animal welfare.”
Ridglan Farms stated that all dogs being transferred are healthy and noted that they hope for an end to what they termed a "harassment campaign" against the facility's owners and staff. Beagles are commonly used in research due to their small size and temperament, according to Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
In October, Ridglan Farms agreed to relinquish its state breeding license as of July 1, 2026, as part of a settlement to avoid felony animal mistreatment charges. While the facility denied any wrongdoing, a special prosecutor found evidence of procedures that did not meet state veterinary standards.