First vans carry hundreds of beagles from Ridglan Farms as nationwide rescue operation begins
MARSHALL, Wis. – More than 1,500 beagles are being rescued from Ridglan Farms and transported to shelters nationwide after a purchase by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy. The multi-day operation began Friday.
Key takeaways
- Initial transfer: Roughly 300 beagles left Ridglan Farms Friday in vans headed to rescues and shelters around the U.S. (Fox6Now, on-site video).
- Scope of plan: This is the first phase of moving about 1,500 of the facility’s roughly 2,000–2,200 beagles after a purchase by rescue groups.
- Medical prep: Dogs were screened, vaccinated and given Benadryl before travel and will receive exams, microchips and behavior evaluations at intake sites.
- Ongoing needs: Rescues urgently need fosters, adopters and donations to support transport and medical care.
Ridglan Farms beagles rescue: what happened Friday
Friday’s operation marked the first visible step in what organizers say will be at least a 10-day effort to empty cages at Ridglan Farms and place dogs into rescue care. Volunteers and staff from Big Dog Ranch Rescue arrived on site with transport vans while the Center for a Humane Economy and local humane societies coordinated intake plans.
Local television and on-site footage show vans leaving the property with dogs inside. Organizers said approximately 300 beagles were removed on the first day; hundreds more will move over the coming days. A larger transfer is planned for May 11, when the Dane County Humane Society expects to take in about 500 dogs—about 150 of those to the Wisconsin Humane Society locations in Milwaukee and Green Bay. (Fox6Now, on-site video.)
How the dogs were prepared for travel
Before loading, each beagle received a veterinary screening and vaccinations. Staff administered Benadryl to many dogs to reduce the risk of allergic or stress-related reactions during transport. Drivers were staggered and receiving shelters will perform full medical exams, microchipping and behavioral evaluations before animals are considered adoptable. Rescue officials on site described these steps as triage and stabilization. (Fox6Now, on-site video.)
“A very big win,” said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, noting many dogs will need help learning basic home skills like leash walking and housebreaking before adoption. (YouTube.)
Who bought the dogs and which groups are involved
Ridglan Farms sold the dogs to a coalition led by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy for an undisclosed price. The Beagle Freedom Project is involved in placement and will oversee placement for many of the animals. Local partners—including the Dane County Humane Society and the Wisconsin Humane Society—are coordinating intake, fostering and adoption pipelines. (Beagle Freedom Project: Ridglan coverage, Fox6Now.)
Background: the years-long dispute over Marshall, Wisconsin beagles
Ridglan Farms, near Blue Mounds in southwestern Wisconsin, bred beagles for scientific research for more than six decades. Advocates accused the facility of mistreating dogs and supplying animals for painful experiments; Ridglan denied abuse, saying its breeding supported biomedical research.
In January 2025, a Dane County judge found probable cause that animal cruelty occurred. Rather than pursue criminal charges, a special prosecutor and Ridglan reached a settlement that includes surrendering the state breeding license by July 1, 2026. The prosecutor’s review found certain eye procedures performed at Ridglan violated state veterinary standards. (Fox6Now.)
The purchase and transfer plan represents a legal and practical turn: organizers say roughly 1,500 dogs will be moved as part of the buyout while about 500–700 remain at the facility pending further arrangements. Advocates continue to press for release of all remaining dogs. (Beagle Freedom Project.)
Political developments and federal funding pressure
Public outcry reached political channels: Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-N.Y.) wrote to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya urging them to cut federal funding for research that uses dogs sourced from Ridglan. The letter framed the appeal as ensuring federally funded research meets ethical and scientific standards, highlighting scrutiny of research animal sourcing. (Fox6Now.)
Adoption, fostering and support needs
Rescue organizations urgently need fosters, adopters and donations to support incoming beagles. Many dogs have lived their lives in breeding environments and will need time, training and veterinary care to adapt to family life. Interested members of the public are directed to contact Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the Dane County Humane Society or the Wisconsin Humane Society to foster, adopt or donate for medical and transport costs. (on-site video, Fox6Now.)
Shelters emphasized prioritizing socialization and behavioral training; prospective adopters should be prepared for dogs that may not yet know basic home manners and for patient, experienced fostering during rehabilitation.
Implications for The World
Economic and logistical impact: The rescue will demand transport, medical care, shelter space and long-term foster networks—drawing donations and volunteer time nationally and internationally.
Scientific and ethical consequences: Public scrutiny may prompt research institutions to tighten supplier vetting and oversight, intensifying debate over ethical sourcing of animals for science.
Political effects: Congressional involvement and appeals to federal agencies show how animal welfare issues can become political flashpoints with cross-border relevance.
Social resonance: Large-scale rescues often boost public interest in adoption and volunteerism, reinforcing calls for transparency and strong standards in labs and breeders.
Practical takeaways: Shelters and rescues can use this operation as a blueprint: prioritize veterinary triage, phased transport, foster networks and clear public messaging about animals’ needs.
Ongoing questions and next steps
As the operation continues, rescuers will report on dogs’ conditions after intake, the pace of adoption and the status of those still at Ridglan. Advocates are expected to press for release of remaining animals and stronger oversight of research animal sourcing.
For those who wish to help: follow updates from the rescue groups and local humane societies. Immediate needs remain fosters, adopters and donations for medical and transport expenses. (YouTube, Fox6Now, Beagle Freedom Project.)
