First vans of beagles leave Ridglan Farms as nationwide rescue effort begins
About 300 beagles were transported from Ridglan Farms in Marshall, Wisconsin, starting a nationwide rescue by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy to relocate roughly 1,500 dogs to shelters and rescues.
- First wave: Roughly 300 beagles left Ridglan Farms as the initial group in a plan to move about 1,500 of the facility’s 2,000–2,200 dogs into rescues and shelters nationwide. (FOX6Now, Beagle Freedom Project, YouTube)
- Medical processing: Dogs were screened by veterinarians, given vaccinations and Benadryl before transport; at arrival they will receive exams, microchips and adoption assessments. (FOX6Now, YouTube)
- Partners & placement: Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the Center for a Humane Economy, Dane County Humane Society and Beagle Freedom Project are coordinating transport and placements across many states. (Beagle Freedom Project, FOX6Now)
Background: years of dispute at Ridglan Farms
Ridglan Farms, a Blue Mounds‑area facility that has bred beagles for research for more than 60 years, became the focus of a long-running dispute over animal care. Animal-welfare groups alleged mistreatment and accused the facility of sending dogs into painful experiments. Ridglan defended its practices, saying its dogs were used to support biomedical research that helps people and animals.
In January 2025 a Dane County judge found probable cause for animal cruelty crimes. Prosecutors later reached a settlement with the farm that led to Ridglan agreeing to surrender its state breeding license by July 1, 2026, rather than face prosecution. A special prosecutor also said the farm had performed eye procedures that ran afoul of state veterinary rules. (FOX6Now)
How the rescue operation is unfolding
On Friday, transport vans rolled out from the Marshall property after staff and volunteers prepared the dogs. Veterinarians screened each beagle, administered vaccinations and gave Benadryl to reduce the risk of allergic or transport reactions. Rescuers said the animals were calm and healthy enough to travel.
Arrival processing: Big Dog Ranch Rescue will receive a major share of the dogs. At arrival to rescue centers, each dog will get a full medical exam, a microchip, and any missing vaccinations. Staff will also evaluate behavior and begin basic training — many dogs need to learn home skills such as leash walking and housebreaking.
“A very big win” — Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, said she was “ecstatic to have these dogs out and get them into loving homes.”
Transport logistics and national placements
The operation uses both ground and air transport. On Saturday, dozens more beagles left Dane County. Some flew out from Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville to destinations including New York and Virginia, while vans moved others toward airports in New Jersey for further placement.
Placement coordination: Beagle Freedom Project is coordinating placement for roughly 500 beagles. The Dane County Humane Society is scheduled to take in 500 dogs beginning May 11; 150 of those will go to Wisconsin Humane Society locations in Milwaukee and Green Bay. (YouTube)
How many remain
Estimates vary, but advocates say hundreds of dogs remain at the facility after the initial transports. Reports list figures ranging from about 200 to 700 dogs still on site, and rescuers say the work to move them is ongoing. The full relocation of roughly 1,500 dogs is expected to take at least 10 days and possibly longer as rescues process, vet and place animals. (FOX6Now, Beagle Freedom Project)
Deal terms and legal developments
The nonprofit partners — Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy — purchased the dogs from Ridglan Farms for an undisclosed amount. Ridglan’s surrender of its state breeding license was part of a deal reached last year to resolve accusations and avoid prosecution. A special prosecutor found problems with eye procedures that did not meet state veterinary standards. Ridglan has said it did not mistreat animals and that its breeding supported important research. (FOX6Now)
Political and research implications
The transfer comes amid pressure in Washington. 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 cut off federal funding for research that uses dogs sourced from Ridglan Farms. Langworthy wrote that the issue is about ensuring federally funded research reflects ethical standards and scientific advancement. The request adds a federal-policy angle to what many local residents see as an animal‑welfare and community response.
Who is involved now and next steps
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue: Led by Lauree Simmons with involvement from Wayne Pacelle of the Center for a Humane Economy, taking a lead role in receiving and placing many beagles. (YouTube, FOX6Now)
- Center for a Humane Economy: Partner in the purchase and transfer logistics. (YouTube)
- Dane County Humane Society: Set to take 500 dogs starting May 11, with many to be placed in local Wisconsin shelters. (FOX6Now)
- Beagle Freedom Project: Overseeing placement for roughly 500 beagles and helping coordinate adoptions. (Beagle Freedom Project)
Rescues are asking the public for fosters, adopters and donations to cover medical care, transport and training costs. Contact Beagle Freedom Project, Dane County Humane Society and Big Dog Ranch Rescue (video) channels for foster, adoption or donation information.
Implications for the United States
Economic and community impact: The relocation requires funds, volunteers and space. Local and regional shelters will use resources for medical care, long-term housing and training. Donations and volunteer time from communities across the country will be essential to process and prepare the dogs for adoption.
Political consequences: The move has put pressure on federal agencies and lawmakers to review how research animals are sourced. Calls like Rep. Langworthy’s letter raise the prospect of changes in federal funding rules for projects that use animals from certain suppliers, potentially affecting biomedical research practices nationwide.
Social effects: For many Americans, the story has stirred strong feelings about pets, research ethics and rural jobs. The rescue mobilizes volunteers and shelters, creating a network of fosters and adopters—many in rural areas—who can offer homes and training to dogs that may never have lived in a house.
Cultural relevance and community response
The move taps into public concern for animals and conversation about scientific work. Rural readers may view the situation through lenses of law, property rights and fairness to local workers. The settlement that led to the license surrender avoided criminal trials, a resolution some see as pragmatic and others view as overdue action.
Practical steps for residents
Rescues across the country need fosters, adopters, veterinary support and donations. Community members who want to help can contact Beagle Freedom Project, Dane County Humane Society, or Big Dog Ranch Rescue for fostering, adoption or donation information.
Reporting and sources
- FOX6Now coverage of the Ridglan Farms transfers
- Beagle Freedom Project information on Ridglan placements
- Local video coverage (YouTube) and additional transport footage (YouTube)
For readers who want to help or learn more, contact Beagle Freedom Project, Dane County Humane Society and Big Dog Ranch Rescue through their websites and local social channels. The rescue effort will continue as more beagles leave Ridglan Farms and begin medical care and adoption programs across the country.
