Ridglan Farms beagles begin leaving Wisconsin as rescues mobilize to rehome roughly 1,500 dogs
Approximately 300 beagles began leaving Ridglan Farms in Marshall, Wisconsin, Friday as Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy launch a coordinated effort to relocate roughly 1,500 beagles to rescues and shelters nationwide over the next ten days.
- Initial transport: About 300 beagles left Ridglan Farms Friday in the first wave (sources: Fox News; FOX6).
- Scope of transfer: The rescue groups arranged to move roughly 1,500 of an estimated 2,000–2,200 beagles to shelters nationwide; the purchase price was not disclosed (Fox News).
- Care and screening: Dogs were examined, vaccinated and given Benadryl before transport; they will receive fuller exams, microchipping and behavior assessments after arrival (Fox News; YouTube video).
- Key organizations: Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the Center for a Humane Economy, the Dane County Humane Society and the Beagle Freedom Project are coordinating placements (FOX6; Beagle Freedom Project).
What happened Friday
On Friday morning, vans loaded with dogs departed the Ridglan Farms property in Marshall, south of Blue Mounds, marking the start of a coordinated effort to move several hundred animals out of the breeding facility. Veterinarians examined the dogs on-site, administered vaccinations and gave Benadryl as a precaution against transport stress reactions. Rescuers and shelter staff then transported the animals to partner facilities where they will receive fuller medical workups, microchips and behavioral assessments before being cleared for adoption. Video coverage and on-site reporting document the departures and rescuer statements (Fox News; YouTube video).
The deal and rescue organizations
Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy negotiated an agreement to acquire about 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms. The groups did not disclose the purchase price. Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, called the move “a very big win” and said she was “ecstatic to have these dogs out and get them into loving homes.” Simmons cautioned that many dogs will require help learning basic home behaviors such as leash walking and housebreaking. The Center for a Humane Economy, founded by former Humane Society of the United States leader Wayne Pacelle, is coordinating placements with partner shelters. The Dane County Humane Society said it will begin taking 150 dogs on May 11 and expects to handle hundreds more, participating in placement for roughly 500 animals. The Beagle Freedom Project said it is overseeing placements for about 500 beagles as part of the rescue effort (FOX6; Beagle Freedom Project; YouTube video).
Veterinary screening and transport procedures
Rescue teams described a careful screening and transport process. On-site veterinarians performed initial exams, administered vaccinations and provided antihistamines to minimize stress and allergic-type reactions during long van rides. After transport, each dog will be re-examined, vaccinated again if needed, microchipped and evaluated for behavior and adoption readiness. Rescuers emphasized that many beagles will need time in foster care to learn household routines after life at the breeding facility (Fox News; YouTube video).
Background and years of controversy
Ridglan Farms, near Blue Mounds, had bred beagles for scientific research for more than six decades. For years, animal-welfare advocates alleged mistreatment, saying the facility pushed dogs into painful procedures and performed routine surgeries without adequate pain control. A special prosecutor last year found that the facility had performed eye procedures on dogs that violated state veterinary standards. As part of a deal to avoid criminal prosecution on animal mistreatment charges, Ridglan agreed to surrender its state breeding license by July 1. Ridglan has denied mistreatment and said its work supports biomedical research that helps humans and animals (Fox News; FOX6).
Advocates and critics
Animal-rights groups and many members of the public have pushed for the full release of all dogs at Ridglan. The current sale covers most but not all animals at the facility; advocates continue to press for immediate release and rehoming of any remaining beagles. Ridglan maintains its breeding program supplied animals for research that furthered scientific knowledge and was carried out under oversight. The dispute has drawn national attention and intensified scrutiny of how research animals are sourced (Fox News).
Recent political developments and funding questions
The releases prompted a political response: on April 24, Rep. Nicholas Langworthy, R‑N.Y., urged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya to bar federal funds for research that uses dogs sourced from Ridglan Farms. In his letter, Langworthy said the issue is about ensuring federally funded research meets ethical standards. The push reflects broader congressional and advocacy concern about the ethics of using animals from questionable breeding conditions in federally funded studies (Fox News).
Transport timeline and next steps
Rescuers expect to move hundreds more dogs in the coming days and over at least the next ten days. Friday’s movement of about 300 dogs was followed by plans for a next wave starting Monday and additional transports into mid‑May. Each receiving group will follow quarantine, medical checks and behavior assessments before placing animals in foster homes or adoption programs. Shelters nationwide are preparing for dogs that may have limited exposure to home life and will require patient rehabilitation (Fox News; YouTube video).
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
Local shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire could see increased interest from adopters and foster volunteers. Although most transports are heading to regional partners, national organizations often coordinate wider placement networks that can include California. Local rescues should ensure space, medical resources and volunteer support are ready if placement requests arrive (Fox News).
Adoption demand and costs: Inland Empire residents may find beagles available through national placement programs. Potential adopters should be prepared for dogs that need training and medical follow-up. Shelters may face costs for vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter services that local governments or donors may be asked to help cover (YouTube video; Beagle Freedom Project).
Veterinary services and clinics: Veterinary clinics in the region could see increased demand for intake exams, vaccinations and behavioral consultations tied to transfers arriving in the area. Clinics may want to prepare intake protocols and coordinate with rescues to streamline care (Fox News).
Public interest and policy conversations: The releases may spur local conversations about animal welfare, shelter funding and research sourcing ethics. Elected officials and county animal services could receive constituent calls for stronger oversight or support for rescue efforts (FOX6).
Community action: The situation presents opportunities for residents to volunteer, foster or donate to local and national rescue partners. Groups coordinating placement often rely on nationwide volunteer networks for temporary homes and transport assistance; local animal welfare groups may issue calls for fosters, supplies and financial support (Beagle Freedom Project).
Long-term research procurement impact: Beyond rehoming, the controversy could influence research institutions to review sourcing policies. Universities, medical centers and funders may face scrutiny over whether their animal sourcing meets updated ethical standards, potentially affecting procurement practices nationwide (Fox News).
Reporting, verification and sources
This report draws on statements and coverage from local and national outlets and direct statements from rescue organizations. Initial transport numbers and details were reported by Fox News and local Milwaukee outlet FOX6. Video coverage of transports and rescuer statements is available from on-site reporting on YouTube. The Beagle Freedom Project has published an overview of its role in placements.
“This is a very big win,” said Lauree Simmons of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, underscoring both relief at the move and the long recovery many dogs will face as they adjust to home life.
Read the source coverage and organizational statements for further verification: Fox News report; FOX6 coverage; on-site video; Beagle Freedom Project overview.
