BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (WKOW) -- Ridglan Farms announced on Tuesday that it will cease the sale of dogs bred for medical research, following an agreement with the La Crosse County District Attorney. This agreement comes amid an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty at the facility.
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As part of the deal, Ridglan Farms will no longer operate under its Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) license that permits the breeding and sale of dogs for biomedical research. This change will take effect on or before July 1, 2026, and the facility will not face penalties or fines associated with this transition.
Ridglan Farms is one of only two large breeders of dogs for experimentation in the United States. Despite the operational changes, the facility will continue its research work, focusing on the development and testing of veterinary medical treatments. The farm issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to improving health interventions for pet dogs, including new vaccines and medications.
“Ridglan Farms is in the process of entering a new chapter in our mission to improve the health of pets and humans alike,” the facility said. “We remain fully committed to the continuous improvement of our operations, protocols, and practices to ensure our animals continue to receive the best care possible.”
Animal rights advocates expressed their satisfaction with the agreement. Rebekah Robinson, President of Dane4Dogs, stated, “Good riddance! This is a 60-year-old business that is finally coming to an end and we’re so glad to have reached this milestone.” Rescue organizations are prepared to assist in placing the dogs in loving homes as part of these changes.
Dane4Dogs and several other groups filed a complaint against Ridglan Farms in March 2024, prompting Dane County Judge Rhonda Lanford to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the facility's operations.