16.10.2026 The dog breeding facility Ridglan Farms in the US state of Wisconsin is closing. Its remaining 475 beagles will be transferred to rescue organizations and prepared for adoption.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced that it had reached an agreement with Ridglan Farms, a breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, to permanently close its operations. The transfer of the dogs began this week.
Today @USDA @SecRollins and I secured a major win for animal welfare.
Ridglan Farms will transfer its remaining 475 beagles out of a research breeding facility and into the care of a no-kill rescue, where they can begin the path to adoption.
Thank you, @LaraLeaTrump, for… pic.twitter.com/gmxiZeYc7k
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) June 15, 2026
According to the rescue group, around 200 dogs were moved on Monday. Another 125 scheduled to leave the facility the following day.
The remaining dogs, many of them puppies, are expected to be transferred later this summer.
Some of the beagles will be sent to rescue groups across the United States, while others will go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue facilities in Florida and Alabama. There, they will receive veterinary care before being placed for adoption.
Carolina and I got to meet some of these Ridglan beagles at @BDRRescue yesterday!!!!! THE BEST!!!!! 🐶🐶🐶 pic.twitter.com/8wvtDIx40I
— Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) May 17, 2026
Facility accused of animal cruelty
Ridglan Farms has been the focus of animal welfare campaigns for years. Last year, the company agreed to give up its breeding license as part of an agreement that allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution related to animal mistreatment allegations.
The closure follows an earlier rescue effort that began in April. Animal welfare groups, including Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, reached an agreement with Ridglan Farms to release around 1,500 beagles. With the release of this week, all dogs at the breeding facility have been rescued.
The facility became the site of several protests in recent months. In March, activists entered the property and removed 30 dogs. In April, police used tear gas and pepper spray during another protest involving a large group of demonstrators.
Beagles are one of the most common dog breeds used in scientific research because of their small size and calm caracter.