BREAKING UPDATE: Ridglan Farms Reaches Agreement To Release Beagles Bred For Animal Testing To Rescue Groups
Update: 4/29/26
In a major developing story out of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, Ridglan Farms is reportedly preparing to release 1,000 to 1,500 beagles from its animal testing and breeding facility into the care of licensed rescue groups.
Coordinated on-site operations are expected to begin to assess, transport, and place the dogs into approved fosters and rehabilitation networks.
According to World Animal News (WAN) sources who were on the ground during the April 18, 2026 attempted beagle rescue, several organizations are now involved and will be working together to safely remove the beagles from the facility, where approximately 2,000 are still reportedly trapped in wire cages.
The organizations reached an agreement with Ridglan Farms that includes payment for the beagles’ release. Those involved include Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, along with other animal groups.
“Thank you so much to everyone who made this happen. This was only possible because people took action and created enough public pressure. Now, let’s replicate this effort for every animal in need,” stated activist Zoe Rosenberg.
At this time, details remain fluid and have not yet been independently verified by authorities or the facility itself. Rescue organizations are expected to provide further updates as operations begin and animals are evaluated for transport.
World Animal News will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
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Yesterday, a harrowing rescue unfolded as activists saved 22 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a notorious beagle breeding facility near Madison, Wisconsin. For the first time in their lives, these dogs experienced life outside a cage, in safe spaces where they could run, play, and simply be dogs again. Eight others were seized by authorities and remain in uncertain conditions.
Their freedom came after a coalition of nonviolent activists entered Ridglan Farms and openly rescued the dogs from a life of confinement and abuse tied to animal experimentation.
At Ridglan, animals have endured documented criminal cruelty, including surgeries performed without anesthetics. Last year, the farm agreed to shut down its breeding operation by July 1, 2026, to avoid felony animal cruelty charges.
But this delay leaves thousands of dogs still confined, subjected to abuse, and destined for laboratories across the country. The government is failing these animals, so ordinary people took it upon themselves to take action.
Many activists were arrested for rescuing the beagles, including Wayne Hsiung, attorney and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE).
“I’m in jail for rescuing dogs. It’s where I was meant to be,” Hsiung said to his legal team during a phone call from jail.
“We did what we believed was necessary to bring the dogs to safety after authorities declined to intervene,” Hsiung also said in a statement shared with his social media team.
Nonviolent activists risked arrest to rescue beagles from Ridglan’s breeding facility and bring them to safety. The remaining beagles still trapped inside cages need our help.
TAKE ACTION: Call the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and ask them to return the 8 rescued beagles taken from the arms of activists who were carrying them to safety.
Dane County Sheriff’s Office
115 W Doty St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Share this news, make the calls, and demand that the authorities take action to release the 8 seized dogs and hold Ridglan Farms accountable for its abuse.
Every action counts. The fate of these dogs, and the approximately 2,000 still confined at Ridglan, depends on what we do now.
