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1,500 Beagles to Get New Lives After Release from Wisconsin Facility
Beagles from Ridglan Farms are being relocated to adoption networks after a confidential agreement to sell the 1,500 dogs. The first 300 were moved on May 1, 2026, with adoption efforts underway and more beagles to be rehomed through partners nationwide.
Why It Matters
The events mark a shift toward animal welfare action following protests and enforcement actions, with thousands of beagles set to find new homes through coordinated rescue and adoption efforts.
Timeline
6 Events
Adoption efforts and ongoing relocation
May 3, 2026
Big Dog Ranch Rescue reported receiving more than 700 adoption applications; about 1,000 beagles will be placed through partner networks, with the remaining dogs distributed among the involved groups.
First 300 beagles moved from Ridglan Farms
May 1, 2026
The first 300 beagles were removed from Ridglan Farms on Friday; a staging area in Wisconsin was set up to vaccinate, microchip, spay/neuter and prepare them for transport and adoption; some dogs began moving to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in western Palm Beach County, Florida.
April 18, 2026 protest at Ridglan Farms
April 18, 2026
About 1,000 activists gathered at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; police used tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray; 29 people were arrested and five faced felony burglary charges.
Purchase agreement to acquire 1,500 beagles
April 2026
Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy negotiated a confidential agreement to purchase the 1,500 dogs.
March 2026 break-in and dog theft
March 2026
Protesters broke into the Ridglan facility in March 2026 and took 30 beagles; a sheriff's office official noted 63 people were referred to the district attorney for potential charges related to the break-in.
Ridglan Farms licensing agreement
October 2025
Ridglan Farms agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on felony animal mistreatment charges.