Beagles bred for research get new life amid questions over federal oversight

The last 155 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for biomedical research, are starting new lives after being moved to a Florida rescue organization. This group represents the final release of over 2,000 dogs from the facility this year.

Despite a growing movement to reduce animal testing, U.S. research utilized more than 37,000 dogs last year, according to USDA records. Many of these research dogs originate from commercial breeding facilities, which are regulated under the federal Animal Welfare Act and state laws. However, a CBS News investigation uncovered a stark contrast between state and federal regulatory findings at Ridglan Farms, prompting scrutiny of federal oversight at such facilities.

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To me that doesn't make any sense.

Between 2024 and 2025, Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan, identifying 494 violations. Some of these violations pertained to the humane handling of dogs. In January 2025, a Dane County Circuit Court judge found probable cause to believe Ridglan had committed crimes under Wisconsin's animal cruelty laws, leading to the appointment of a special prosecutor.

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well documented history of exemplary animal care.

Ridglan Farms reached a settlement to avoid criminal prosecution, agreeing last month to surrender its state license to sell dogs. The facility maintains it did not violate any state or federal laws and disputes allegations of mistreatment, citing a "well documented history of exemplary animal care." In contrast, federal records reviewed by CBS News show only four violations cited by USDA inspectors at the breeding facility and two at the research facility over the past decade, none classified as critical.

"To me that doesn't make any sense," commented Rep. Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat, regarding the disparity in findings. The USDA's inspector general has also repeatedly expressed concerns about federal oversight of dog breeders over the past three decades. A 2025 audit highlighted issues with the USDA's inspection system, concluding that "inconsistent and untimely inspections may have contributed to the dog breeders' continued violation of AWA [Animal Welfare Act] requirements."

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inconsistent and untimely inspections may have contributed to the dog breeders' continued violation of AWA [Animal Welfare Act] requirements.