Beagles Rescued from Breeding Facility in Wisconsin
A significant relocation effort for beagles began on Friday as the first van departed from Ridge Run Farm in Wisconsin. This marks the beginning of a mission to transport approximately 1,500 out of 2,000 dogs from this contentious breeding facility to shelters and rescue organizations across the nation.
According to reports, 300 dogs have already been taken from the facility in Marshall, Wisconsin, with many more set to follow within the next ten days. Once removed, the dogs underwent veterinary examinations, received vaccinations, and were given Benadryl to mitigate any potential allergic reactions before their transfer to a shelter.
This action is the result of a deal that involved Ridge Run Farms, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, and the Humane Economic Center, which together agreed to acquire 1,500 beagles at an undisclosed price. These animals will be thoroughly examined, microchipped, and vaccinated before being made available for adoption, as noted by the Associated Press.
Laurie Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, expressed her excitement, calling it “a huge victory” for the dogs as they are transitioned into supportive homes.
Simmons highlighted that many of the rescued dogs will need to learn basic home skills, such as leash walking and being left alone in a house—skills that most pets pick up early in life.
The sale represents a critical juncture in a long-fought battle against Ridge Run Farms, which has been breeding beagles for scientific research for decades. Over the years, animal rights activists have accused the facility of mistreatment and forcing dogs into painful experiments, allegations that Rigran, the owner, consistently denies. He claims that his work supports critical biomedical research that benefits both humans and animals.
Last year, Ridge Run Farms agreed to surrender its state breeding license by July 1st in a deal aimed at avoiding prosecution for animal cruelty. This followed findings by a special prosecutor that Rigran had performed eye surgeries on dogs in violation of established veterinary protocols.
The situation intensified when Congressman Nicholas Langworthy urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the NIH Director to terminate federal funding for research involving dogs from Ridge Run Farms. In his April 24th letter, he stated that the discussion is not about opposing scientific advances, but rather about ensuring ethical standards within federally funded research.
Langworthy requested the NIH produce a list of active grants connected to Ridge Run and to halt funding for any projects utilizing dogs from the facility, advocating for a timeline to phase out government support of invasive research on dogs and cats intended for experimentation or euthanasia.
“Americans expect responsible tax use that aligns with humane standards,” he wrote. He emphasized that ceasing financial backing for facilities breeding beagles for painful experiments aligns with these principles.
NIH representatives informed Fox News that while independent researchers may purchase animals from Ridge Run, the breeder does not receive any direct funding from the NIH, contrary to some public assertions.
The release of these dogs comes amid ongoing protests. Recently, roughly 1,000 activists attempted to breach the facility’s fence in an effort to liberate the beagles, an incident which led to law enforcement using tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, resulting in 29 arrests.
Earlier in March, activists succeeded in rescuing 30 beagles. Rigran later described the April protest as an assault by a “violent mob,” while activists accused law enforcement of overreacting.
Animal welfare advocates from the University of Denver commended the ongoing efforts of activists, calling the release an embodiment of their determination. The organization emphasized that every Ridge Run dog deserves a loving home, and expressed hope that all remaining beagles still in the facilities would be liberated soon.
This agreement, however, does not encompass all the beagles at Ridge Run. Advocates are committed to continuing their push for the remaining dogs, as shelters prepare to welcome those who have scarcely known life outside the confines of their previous environment.
