UPDATE:
Dane County District Attorney Ismael R. Ozanne has filed charges against Ridglan Farms for constructing and altering a manure storage facility without a required permit.
Scrutiny against the beagle breeding facility continues to grow as legal and public attention intensifies.
WAN will continue to provide updates as the case develops.
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In a shocking escalation of violence and force, law enforcement officers used tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and flashbang grenades against peaceful animal rescuers attempting to save approximately 2,000 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a controversial animal testing breeding facility in Wisconsin.
On April 18, 2026, more than 1,000 individuals from across the United States gathered in a nonviolent effort to bring attention to the plight of the dogs held captive at the breeding facility. Demonstrators maintained a commitment to peaceful action, even as tensions rose.
According to multiple reports, Ridglan Farms is responsible for multiple animal welfare violations. The facility has been accused of breeding beagles for use in toxicity testing and invasive experimentation, including procedures allegedly conducted without proper anesthesia, as well as euthanizing dogs who do not meet laboratory standards.
Among those arrested on Saturday at Ridglan Farms was attorney and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere, Wayne Hsiung, who was detained while attempting to serve legal documents to Ridglan Farms. Witnesses state that he was taken into custody shortly after approaching the property, with no clear cause for his detention provided at the time of arrest.
“Only a deeply corrupt system will use tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful rescuers saving dogs. We are seeing the worst in humanity today. But, in the courage of the rescuers, also the best,” stated Hsiung.
Following the initial arrests, rescuers continued forward, navigating physical barriers, moats, and fencing surrounding the property. What followed, according to those on the ground, was a violent and forceful response from law enforcement and security personnel. Individuals reported injuries consistent with impact projectiles and exposure to chemical agents such as pepper spray, including burns to rescuers’ eyes and faces, as well as respiratory distress.
Approximately 25 rescuers were detained during the operation. Officials have indicated that some individuals may face criminal charges related to the incident.
Ridglan Farms has been under increasing scrutiny since a January 2025 court ruling found probable cause to believe felony animal cruelty violations may have occurred and ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate.
In a recent development, the facility has agreed to surrender its state breeding license, but not until July 2026. Until that time, it is permitted to continue operating, leaving the innocent beagles at the center of the controversy still confined on site.
Protests Move to Wisconsin State Capitol
In the aftermath of the confrontation, rescuers and supporters have gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Monday, calling on state officials, including Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, to take immediate action to investigate Ridglan Farms and secure the release of the beagles.
Advocates dispute Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett’s statements and support the rescuers’ account, maintaining that law enforcement initiated the violence despite the demonstrators’ nonviolent actions.
DEMAND THE RELEASE OF THE RIDGLAN DOGS
Supporters are urging the public to take immediate action:
Call Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul’s office: (608) 266-1221, Dial 4
Even if they say they are not taking messages, call anyway. Volume is critical.
Submit the contact form HERE!
What to say:
“I am calling to demand immediate action to investigate Ridglan Farms and to require the facility to release the beagles into safe, loving homes. These dogs deserve protection and cannot be left to be tortured.”
Sign the petition HERE!
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
