Actress Alexandra Paul, known from “Baywatch,” was arrested in Wisconsin over the weekend. She is believed to have taken part in an animal rights protest aimed at freeing beagles from a controversial breeding facility.
The 62-year-old was one of 20 activists facing trespassing charges following an incident at Ridge Run Farms, located in Blue Mounds, roughly 30 miles from Madison, according to officials.
On Sunday morning, she joined around 60 others, all dressed in white hazmat suits, as they entered the facility. Video footage captured them lining up while tightly holding onto dogs.
The Ridge Run Dog Rescue Coalition claimed they rescued 31 dogs, though authorities later confirmed they managed to recover only eight.
Dane County Sheriff Calvin Barrett noted, “While some of the captured beagles were returned to Ridge Run Farm, several remain unaccounted for.”
He added, “Two vehicles, along with tools used for theft and other evidence, were confiscated at the site.”
Ridge Run Farms has faced scrutiny from animal rights activists before, particularly due to its breeding of beagles for research purposes, as reported by local media. The sheriff mentioned the office respects the public’s strong feelings and their right to peacefully protest, but emphasized the need for safety and lawful actions when addressing concerns about animal welfare.
Paul, who portrayed Lt. Stephanie Holden on “Baywatch” from 1992 to 1997, has had previous legal troubles tied to her animal rights activism.
In 2021, she was charged with misdemeanor theft after taking two chickens from a truck in California, but was ultimately acquitted.
