1,500 Beagles Relocated from Wisconsin Breeding Facility

Rescue groups have begun relocating approximately 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a commercial breeding facility in Wisconsin, following a confidential purchase agreement. The first 300 dogs left the site near Blue Mounds on Friday, with hundreds more scheduled for removal over the coming days and weeks.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy brokered the deal for an undisclosed price. The dogs, bred for scientific research, underwent veterinary screenings, vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter procedures at a temporary staging area with play yards before transport to shelters nationwide. Some have already reached facilities such as one in western Palm Beach County, Florida, and another in Chicago, where 25 were received by PAWS Chicago.

Upon release, the beagles displayed immediate trust toward humans despite lifelong confinement. "They started within an hour or so coming up to us, wanting attention. Some crawled into people's laps. Every single one of them is super sweet," said Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue. "I think they are loving the attention. I just know they know they're safe."

The transfer follows Ridglan Farms' October...