Ridglan Farms in Dane County, Wisconsin, has agreed to relinquish its license to breed dogs for sale to research institutions amid an animal abuse investigation. The facility will stop its sales and breeding operations by July 1, 2026, as part of the agreement with the state, which will not pursue criminal charges against the farm.
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Despite the cessation of dog sales, Ridglan Farms will continue its operations, allowing them to breed dogs and conduct their own research. The agreement does not imply any admission of criminal or civil liability by Ridglan Farms and mandates compliance with Veterinary Examining Board regulations.
Ridglan Farms has been operational since 1966 and primarily breeds beagles, which are commonly used in medical and scientific research due to their manageable temperament. Recent allegations of animal mistreatment could have led to felony charges, following a procedure performed on beagles without general anesthesia, which did not meet state veterinary standards.
La Crosse District Attorney Tim Gruenke, the special prosecutor in the case, noted that the agreement will effectively end the mass breeding and sale of beagles for research purposes.
Rebekah Robinson, president of Dane4Dogs, an organization dedicated to ending the use of dogs and cats in experimentation, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. She founded the group after witnessing disturbing conditions at Ridglan Farms, highlighted by videos showing overcrowded cages and signs of distress among the dogs.
Ridglan Farms released a statement expressing pride in the care provided to their animals and a commitment to improving their operations. They aim to continue supporting advancements in veterinary medicine and improving health outcomes for both pets and humans.