Ridglan Farms, located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, announced on June 15 that it has reached a permanent closure agreement with Big Dog Ranch Rescue, a Florida-based organization that will take in its 475 remaining beagles. The farm bred dogs for sale to research facilities and ran its own testing branch. It operated for decades before a series of protests, raids, and legal proceedings finally brought it down.

Beagles are the most commonly used breed in animal testing, largely because of their small size and calm temperament.

Ridglan kept more than 2,000 at a time. Animal welfare groups described conditions that included painful eye procedures performed without anesthesia, sores on the dogs, and behavioral issues consistent with prolonged confinement. The farm denied mistreatment and pointed to passing federal regulatory inspections. A special prosecutor disagreed — finding that Ridglan had violated state veterinary standards and Wisconsin animal cruelty laws.

Last year, prosecutors ordered the facility to shut down its breeding operation. Ridglan agreed in October to surrender its state breeding license by July 1, 2026 as part of a deal to avoid felony animal mistreatment charges.

The end didn't come quietly.

Activists stormed the facility twice in early 2026. The first group broke in and carried out 30 dogs, leading to dozens of arrests. A second, larger group arrived in April — and was met with tear gas and rubber bullets from local law enforcement. Lead organizer Wayne Hsiung and three others were charged with felony burglary. Ridglan itself was cited for filling a trench around the facility with manure to deter the crowd, creating an environmental hazard.

As the court cases moved forward, animal welfare groups negotiated a separate track. Big Dog Ranch Rescue purchased roughly 1,500 beagles in April for an undisclosed price. The June 15 agreement covers the remaining 475, with all dogs expected to be re-housed by the end of August. According to the Wisconsin Examiner, PETA's Dr. Alka Chandna called the outcome "a milestone" reflecting years of relentless pressure.

Some beagles are heading directly to partner rescue organizations across the country.

Others will go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue's campuses in Florida and Alabama, where they'll be spayed, neutered, and medically cleared before adoption. The Dane County Humane Society has already placed every Ridglan beagle in its care that was cleared for adoption. Founder Lauree Simmons called on protesters to stand down: "Our focus now should be on supporting these dogs as they transition into their new lives."

These dogs have spent their entire lives in a controlled facility — which means the outside world is genuinely foreign to them.

Many have never walked on grass, heard traffic, or been inside a home. Behavioral issues are common: signs of depression like withdrawal, low energy, and loss of appetite are frequently seen in newly rescued lab dogs. Some show more serious responses. Dogs that have lived through chronic confinement and painful procedures can develop trauma responses that look a lot like PTSD — hypervigilance, fearfulness, and difficulty bonding.

The good news: beagles are adaptable. With the right environment, most do well.

Patience matters more than training in the early weeks. A quiet home, a predictable routine, and low-pressure socialization give these dogs the best shot at recovery. If you're considering adopting a Ridglan beagle, not every home is the right fit — and that's worth being honest about before you commit.

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