Closure of Beagle Breeding Facility in Wisconsin
A beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin, operating for nearly six decades, is set to close permanently after reaching an agreement with a rescue group based in Florida. This arrangement involves the removal of the remaining 475 dogs from the facility.
This agreement concludes a significant rescue mission that has successfully relocated 2,110 beagles since late April. Ridge Run Farms, known as the second-largest supplier of beagles to research institutions in the U.S., is now winding down its operations.
The dogs are being sent to campuses of Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida and Alabama, along with other partner rescue organizations nationwide. There, they will receive spaying/neutering and evaluations for adoption.
According to plans from Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the first group of 125 beagles is scheduled for relocation on June 15 and 16, while about 150 remaining puppies are expected to be ready for release by early August.
Interestingly, BDRR acquired around 1,500 of the 2,010 beagles in April, though the purchase price remains undisclosed.
At a recent press conference, BDRR founder Laurie Simmons discussed the situation. She emphasized that the facility is “permanently closed” with all dogs slated for release by mid-August and reassured that no dog would be left behind. Simmons articulated the organization’s new focus: “There’s no need for breeding or testing anymore. We’re here to support these dogs in their transition to new lives.” She pointed out that this marks the first time many of these dogs will experience safety and a normal life.
Simmons also mentioned that her organization is collaborating closely with the Trump administration to eliminate federal funding for research involving invasive and painful experiments on dogs.
While Ridge Run Farms denies allegations of animal cruelty, a special prosecutor found that the facility conducted surgeries on dogs’ eyes in ways that violated state veterinary standards.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remarked that this development represents a substantial win for animal welfare.
Back in April, there were reports of police using tear gas and pepper spray against a large group of animal rights activists who attempted to enter the farm to rescue beagles. These tensions followed an earlier incident in March, where protesters successfully removed 30 dogs from the facility, leading to several arrests.
