First vans carrying beagles leave Ridglan Farms as rescue groups begin mass relocation of nearly 1,500 dogs
Nearly 1,500 beagles are being evacuated from Ridglan Farms in Marshall, Wisconsin, after a landmark agreement with rescues. Transports began May 1, 2026, moving dogs bred for research into shelters and foster networks across the country.
Key takeaways
- About 300 dogs left Ridglan Farms on the first day of transports; hundreds more are expected over at least the next 10 days (Fox6 Milwaukee, video coverage).
- A negotiated purchase by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy will move roughly 1,500 of the facility’s ~2,000 beagles to rescues and shelters nationwide (Fox6 Milwaukee).
- Dogs were screened by veterinarians, vaccinated, given Benadryl for transport, and will receive medical exams, microchips and behavior evaluations before adoption (video coverage).
- Partner organizations handling placement include Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society locations and the Beagle Freedom Project.
Vans roll out after months of pressure
On Friday, crews loaded roughly 300 beagles into vans and began moving them away from Ridglan Farms — a decades-old breeding operation near Blue Mounds that has supplied dogs for biomedical research. The transports followed a negotiated purchase of about 1,500 dogs by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy. Organizers did not disclose the purchase price.
“It’s a very big win and I am ecstatic to have these dogs out and get them into loving homes,” said Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons in a statement. She added many beagles will need basic training for household life, including leash walking and housebreaking (Fox6 Milwaukee).
Preparing dogs for a new life
Before loading, veterinarians at the Marshall facility examined the dogs and administered vaccinations. Many were given Benadryl to reduce anxiety and prevent allergic reactions associated with transport. Rescue groups reported that on arrival at receiving centers dogs will be rechecked, microchipped, vaccinated as needed and evaluated for behavior and adoptability (video coverage).
Distribution plans name partner organizations that will manage large shares of the intake: Dane County Humane Society (about 500 beagles starting May 11), Wisconsin Humane Society locations in Milwaukee and Green Bay (roughly 150 combined), and the Beagle Freedom Project (overseeing placement for about 500 animals). Big Dog Ranch Rescue will transfer many dogs to its Florida facilities and coordinate further placements nationally.
A long-running dispute
Ridglan Farms has bred beagles for scientific research for more than six decades. Animal welfare advocates long alleged mistreatment and criticized the facility’s role in supplying dogs for experiments they characterized as painful; Ridglan has denied mistreatment, saying its work supports biomedical research that benefits humans and animals.
The legal backdrop intensified in January 2025 when a Dane County judge found probable cause of animal cruelty linked to eye procedures on dogs that violated state veterinary standards. To avoid prosecution, Ridglan agreed as part of a settlement to surrender its state breeding license by July 1, 2026, and to the sale of a large share of its dogs to rescue groups (Fox6 Milwaukee).
Political pressure and research funding questions
The transfer arrives amid renewed scrutiny of using dogs in federally funded research. On April 24, Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-N.Y.) asked federal officials to cut off funding for research that sources dogs from Ridglan, emphasizing ethical standards in research funding. The letter adds a political dimension, prompting agencies and lawmakers to review sourcing practices tied to biomedical grants.
Who will take the dogs and how to help
Rescue groups say transports will continue in waves until most purchased dogs are removed. Those interested in adopting, fostering or donating were urged to contact partner organizations: Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society locations and the Beagle Freedom Project through their websites.
Organizers warned many beagles will need socialization and basic training. Dogs raised in breeding kennels often lack experience with household noises, leash walking and shared living spaces; volunteers and foster homes will be crucial to transition animals to adoption-ready pets.
Record-keeping and accountability
Rescues said each dog will receive microchips and updated medical records before placement. Advocates stressed transparency about destinations and health status once dogs leave Ridglan. The Center for a Humane Economy and partner rescues pledged to document transfers and post updates as dogs reach shelters and foster homes (video coverage).
Implications for San Diego
Economic impact
San Diego’s animal welfare network could feel ripple effects. Local rescues already at capacity may see increased demand for adoption counseling, foster coordination and veterinary services. If local organizations receive transported dogs or foster referrals, clinics and trainers may face higher short-term demand for vaccinations, microchipping and behavior work.
Political consequences
San Diego’s biomedical and biotech sector could face constituent questions about animal sourcing and oversight. Local lawmakers and institutions may be asked to review research ethics and transparency in sourcing — mirroring national debate and pressure exemplified by congressional inquiries.
Social and cultural effects
San Diegans may be moved to foster or adopt; community groups often partner with shelters on training and socialization programs. Beagles are active and social; with time, exercise and training they can thrive in local neighborhoods. The story of the Ridglan beagles will resonate with residents who value animal welfare and rescue adoption.
Practical actions for residents
- Check local shelter pages and the San Diego Humane Society for foster and adoption listings.
- Donate to or volunteer with organizations receiving dogs, or contribute to transport and rehabilitation funds.
- Prepare for adoption by researching beagle needs — leash training, energy needs and grooming — and lining up trainers or behaviorists.
- Watch partner rescue pages (Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Beagle Freedom Project, Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society) for national fostering or adoption sign-ups and updates.
Reporting and sources
This account is based on on-the-ground reporting and statements from rescue groups and local outlets covering the initial transports. Visual reports and interviews with rescue leaders and local officials were carried by Fox6 Milwaukee and independent video coverage. The Beagle Freedom Project has published its role and plans online.
