Wisconsin Beagle Facility Closes, 475 Dogs Sent to Rescue

A Wisconsin beagle breeding and research facility that has been the focus of years of controversy and recent protests is permanently closing, with its remaining dogs being transferred to a rescue organization for adoption. Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds reached an agreement with Florida-based Big Dog Ranch Rescue for the closure and the transfer of its 475 remaining beagles, a process that began this week.

The rescue group announced the agreement on Monday, June 15. Under the terms, all dogs will be removed from the facility by mid-August. Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons stated that the facility has committed to permanently ending its dog breeding, sales, research, and testing operations. The remaining beagles will be sent to the rescue's campuses in Florida and Alabama, as well as to partner rescue groups across the country, where they will be spayed, neutered, and prepared for adoption.

This transfer concludes a larger relocation effort. In April, Big Dog Ranch Rescue purchased approximately 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, which had housed more than 2,000 dogs. The rescue group has called for an end to further protests, urging supporters to focus on the dogs'...