1,500 beagles rescued from veterinary research facility after reaching deal with animal rescues

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) - Animal rescuers in Wisconsin announced Thursday they have reached a deal to purchase over a thousand beagles from a veterinary research facility.

Leaders with Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy shared details about the agreement this week, calling it one of the largest coordinated efforts of its kind.

“We are here to formally announce that we have reached an accord with Ridglan Farms to obtain 1,500 beagles from the company,” Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, said.

Ridglan Farms is described as a facility that has bred thousands of beagles for sale to scientific and medical research laboratories for nearly six decades. However, officials said it had been facing $55,000 in fines after inspectors cited over 300 violations.

“This is one big movement over the next 10 days,” Pacelle added.

Under the agreement, Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take in about 1,000 dogs, housing some at its facilities in Alabama and Florida and placing others through a network of more than 50 partner rescues across the country.

The remaining roughly 500 dogs will be coordinated by the Center for a Humane Economy through partner organizations, with much of that effort centered in Wisconsin.

Pacelle said the effort is focused not just on moving the dogs quickly, but ensuring they are safely transitioned into new environments.

“We are very excited about these animals who have lived in confinement … having an opportunity to touch soil and grass, breathe fresh air, and get into a loving home for the balance of their lives,” he said.

The Dane County Humane Society, along with partners that include the Beagle Freedom Project, Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project and the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, will help care for and place hundreds of the animals.

“These dogs are going to need time. They will need patience. They will need support as they adjust to environments they have never experienced before,” Big Dog Ranch Rescue President Lauree Simmons said.

Officials say the dogs are not yet available for adoption and will need time for medical care and socialization before they are ready for homes. They also warned that demand is expected to be high.

“We’re probably not going to have enough to go around for the demand,” Pacelle said.

The Dane County Humane Society has created an online interest form for potential adopters and says updates will be shared as the dogs become available.

The agreement does not include all of the animals at Ridglan Farms. Organizers said they are continuing discussions about the remaining dogs, but did not provide a number.

The facility said it is working on finalizing arrangements for those dogs and would not be sharing the number of dogs still in its care to keep its staff and animals safe.

“The dogs at Ridglan Farms are happy, healthy and well cared for. Publicly available USDA documentation shows this has been the case for many years,” Ridglan Farms said. “As the dogs sold this week leave our veterinary research facility, we hope they will continue to live happy lives in their new adopted homes.”

Local leaders called the agreement a positive step for the animals while acknowledging the tension surrounding the facility in recent weeks.

“We are overjoyed to see these 1,500 beagles heading to loving homes and a far better life,” Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said.

Organizers also pointed to broader concerns about animal testing, saying efforts like this highlight the need for larger systemic change.

“We cannot rescue our way out of these problems,” Pacelle said.