Over 150 beagles rescued from testing at Wisconsin facility, marking over 2,000 released this year

The last group of 155 beagles has been transferred from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin to the Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida, marking the conclusion of a months-long effort to relocate over 2,000 dogs bred for biomedical research. The facility faced intense scrutiny regarding its treatment of the animals.

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan between 2024 and 2025, documenting 494 violations. In January 2025, a judge determined there was probable cause to believe the facility had violated Wisconsin's animal-cruelty laws, leading to the appointment of a special prosecutor. Ridglan subsequently reached a settlement to avoid criminal prosecution and agreed to relinquish its state license to sell dogs.

Despite the settlement, Ridglan has consistently denied violating animal-welfare laws, disputing allegations of mistreatment. The company highlighted its "well-documented history of exemplary animal care" and referred to the USDA as the primary authority overseeing animal welfare in research. Federal inspectors had cited fewer violations at Ridglan's facilities over the past decade, none classified as critical.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons explained the choice of beagles for testing, noting their forgiving temperament. "You hurt them one day, and they're going to forgive you the next and let you do it all over again. This is inhumane," Simmons stated, underscoring the ethical concerns surrounding the practice.

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They choose beagles because they're easy to handle and they're so forgiving. You hurt them one day, and they're going to forgive you the next and let you do it all over again. This is inhumane