Animal Rights Activists Storm Wisconsin Beagle Farm for a Second Time

Hundreds of animal rights activists descended on Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, in an effort to free Beagles bred at the facility. According to the Non-Human Rights Project, over 2,000 Beagles are housed at the facility, bred for biomedical research. The dogs are allegedly kept in crates stacked on one another in a windowless warehouse.

This is the second time activists have stormed Ridglan Farms, as on March 15, 27 people were arrested in a different protest at the facility. This time, over 2,000 people signed up for a protest scheduled for Sunday, April 19, but the action started early. As activists stormed the facility today, they were met with heavy police resistance. Tear gas was deployed, and at least a dozen people were arrested. The protestors were led by Wayne Hsiung, an animal rights lawyer, who was arrested today while trying to serve the farm with lawsuit papers.

Waves of tear gas: Peaceful animal lovers are being tear gassed, pepper sprayed, and fired at with rubber bullets at Ridglan Farms. At least a dozen activists have been arrested. Hundreds of others are on the property now trying to rescue the dogs. pic.twitter.com/7JYg8S2XhP

— Wayne Hsiung (@waynehhsiung) April 18, 2026

Ridglan Farms has pushed back against the accusations against them, alleging there is no abuse at the facility. The farm's attorney spoke with WTMJ, reminding people that Ridglan has never been charged with a crime. He says that the dogs are well taken care of and they are inspected often for compliance with animal welfare standards.

"If you look at the photographs of the dogs that are being carried out of that facility (on Sunday, March 15), those dogs are healthy," said Eric McLeod, Ridglan's attorney. They’re well adjusted. They do not look like animals who have been subject to any mistreatment, let alone abuse or torture,” McLeod said.