HISTORIC VICTORY: Final 155 Beagles Rescued As Ridglan Farms Closes After 60 Years

Photo Credit: Big Dog Ranch Rescue

In a historic victory for animal welfare, the final 155 beagles have been rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, marking the facility’s official closure after six decades of breeding dogs for use in cruel animal experiments.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR), which helped secure the dogs’ release, celebrated the long-awaited milestone:

“The wait is finally over. The last group of beagles has been rescued. These 155 beagles are finally getting the second chance they deserve, and we are incredibly proud to have been part of this mission.”

World Animal News recently traveled to Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s facility in Florida for an exclusive look at one of the largest beagle rescue efforts in recent history. During the visit, WAN interviewed founder and CEO Lauree Simmons and met some of the rescued Ridglan Farms beagles as they began their journeys toward loving forever homes.

Many of the dogs had reportedly never walked on grass, felt the sun, or explored the outdoors before. Now, they are finally experiencing what it means to simply be dogs.

In a statement announcing the final release, BDRR shared:

“From our first rescue to this very last one, 2,115 beagles have now been saved from Ridglan Farms and given the future they deserve. Ridglan Farms operated for six decades. Today, after 60 years, the facility is finally completely empty, with no dogs remaining.”

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office⁠ has also confirmed the permanent closure of Ridglan Farms following the sale and transfer of its remaining dogs to rescue organizations, including BDRR.

The rescued beagles will now receive the support they need as they transition into their new lives. According to Big Dog Ranch Rescue⁠, donations will help provide spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, microchipping, daily care, and enrichment.

While the closure of Ridglan Farms is a historic milestone, BDRR emphasized that thousands of other dogs remain confined in animal testing facilities:

“But this is just the beginning. There are still thousands upon thousands of dogs in testing facilities across this country who need our help too. We have a long way to go, and we’re not stopping until every one of them is out.”

Please consider helping Big Dog Ranch Rescue provide the care these rescued beagles need as they begin their journey toward finding loving forever homes by donating HERE! 

May God bless each of these precious dogs as they begin new lives filled with the freedom, safety, and love they have always deserved.