First Dogs of 1,500 Freed From Ridglan Farms and Touch Grass for First Time
1,500 beagles will be released from the Ridglan Farms research facility in Wisconsin following months of on-the-ground activism by animal welfare advocates culminating in a confrontation with authorities in March and April that lead to multiple arrests and heavy police response.
The first few hundred of the beagles to be freed enjoyed a moment on the grass before being shuttled to rescue shelters for care and eventual adoption. Many of the beagles walked outside for the first time, experiencing blue skies and grass. They were cautious at first but then began sniffing, playing and wagging their tails with curiosity.
“We’ve got the first 300 of 1,500 out of Ridglan today, and it was the happiest feeling,” said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue told WMTV 15 News. “These sweet dogs have got such a bright future ahead of them. And we actually emptied three buildings.”
The dogs were brought to a staging area, where they all received vaccines, microchips and initial care before getting time outside.
“They’ve never been on grass. They’ve never had these smells. They’ve never seen that sky. And it’s quite remarkable,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action.
The breakthrough comes after the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced they had reached an agreement with the Dane County breeder and research facility to purchase the dogs. Under the plan, Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take responsibility for rehoming 1,000 beagles, while the Dane County Humane Society and the Beagle Freedom Project will help place the remaining 500.
“This is a moment to celebrate that 1,500 dogs will soon know only the kindness of the most caring people and will be treated for the rest of their lives like little kings and queens,” said Pacelle.
Simmons emphasized the importance of structure and accountability in the rescue effort, saying, “We wanted a structured, responsible plan that guarantees every one of these dogs is safely transitioned into the care of reputable fully vetted rescue organizations, including ourselves.”
The rescue follows a requirement for Ridglan Farms to end its beagle breeding program by July 1, part of a legal agreement reached with prosecutors after alleged violations of Wisconsin animal cruelty laws last year.
Once removed, the beagles will be made available for adoption after rehabilitation through a network of rescue partners working across the country.
“This effort reflects the strength of collaboration across the animal welfare community,” said Pam McCloud Smith, executive director of the Dane County Humane Society. “Our focus is on ensuring these dogs receive the care, stability, and support they need to begin their new lives.”
After years of confinement, these beagles are finally getting what they’ve always deserved—a chance to heal, to trust, and to live the rest of their lives surrounded by compassion instead of cages.
To learn more about supporting this massive rescue effort visit Big Dog Ranch Rescue.