BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. — Animal welfare groups are preparing to remove 135 additional beagles from a Wisconsin research and breeding facility, bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 1,635.
The latest rescue comes after Ridglan Farms agreed to transfer the dogs as part of a legal settlement with animal advocacy organizations.
Rescue Effort Continues
The beagles will be divided between two rescue organizations. Florida-based Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take 67 dogs, while the remaining animals will go to California’s Beagle Freedom Project. All are expected to be placed up for adoption.
“We just don’t have enough beagles,” said Beagle Freedom Project founder Shannon Keith, highlighting the overwhelming demand from families hoping to adopt the rescued dogs.
Legal Settlement Reached
The agreement follows months of negotiations, protests, and a lawsuit filed by animal rights groups alleging mistreatment of dogs bred for medical research. As part of the settlement, Ridglan Farms agreed to sell the beagles to rescue groups for an undisclosed amount and surrender its beagle breeding license.
The company has denied allegations of abuse, maintaining that the dogs were properly cared for and citing federal inspection records.
Strong Adoption Interest
Animal welfare advocates say public response to the rescue effort has been extraordinary. According to the Center for Humane Economy, there are currently more prospective adopters than available dogs from the facility.
It remains unclear how many beagles are still housed at Ridglan Farms as rescue groups continue efforts to relocate the remaining animals.
The large-scale rescue has attracted national attention and support from celebrities and animal welfare advocates, helping shine a spotlight on the future of dogs used in research facilities.
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