For years, Ridglan Farms, located 30 miles outside of Madison, Wis., has been at the center of controversy, protests and legal battles surrounding the use of dogs in research. Animal welfare advocates spent years pushing for change while hundreds of beagles remained at the facility. For many animal lovers, the situation felt frustratingly unresolved.
Now, there is finally reason for hope. Earlier this month, Ridglan Farms announced it would be permanently shutting down. Meanwhile, various rescue organizations have vowed to remove every remaining beagle from the property. While the dogs still have a journey ahead before reaching adoptive homes, advocates say the closure marks a major turning point for hundreds of beagles at the facility and thousands who have been part of broader rescue efforts connected to the site over the years.
Rescue Groups Say No Beagle Will Remain at Wisconsin Facility
According to the Guardian, Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research facility that has faced years of criticism from animal welfare groups, announced on June 15 it had reached an agreement with Big Dog Ranch Rescue of Loxahatchee, Fla., to cease operation.
“Not one dog will remain,” said Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, during a press conference announcing the closure…