The 2026 Ridglan Farms protests were a series of protests and direct actions held in March and April 2026 at Ridglan Farms, a beagle-breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, United States. The actions involved activists opposing animal testing; local reporting identified Wayne Hsiung as a leading organiser.[1][2]
| Date | March–April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location |
|
| Type | Protest; direct action |
| Motive | Opposition to animal testing and breeding of dogs for research |
| Participants | Animal rights activists |
| Outcome | Dogs removed during March action; arrests |
| Arrests | 27 (March); approximately 25 (April) |
| Charges | burglary charges filed against some participants |
During a March 2026 incident, activists entered the facility and removed beagle puppies. Reports differed on the number of dogs taken, with some sources stating about 30 dogs and others giving lower figures.[3][4] Approximately 27 people were arrested in connection with that event.[3]
A second, larger protest took place on 18 April 2026. Reports described the crowd as numbering in the hundreds to about 1,000. Law enforcement officers used tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets after protesters attempted to enter the property, and approximately 25 people were arrested.[5][3] No animals were reported to have been removed during the April event.
The protests received national media coverage and prompted public debate over animal research, protest tactics, and law enforcement response.[5]
Background
editRidglan Farms is a privately owned facility that breeds beagles for biomedical research. It has operated since the 1960s and has been described as one of the larger facilities of its kind in the United States.[6][7]
In October 2025, Ridglan Farms reached a settlement agreement with prosecutors under which it would surrender its Wisconsin breeding licence by 1 July 2026. The agreement followed an investigation into alleged violations of animal welfare laws.[6]
A Dane County judge found probable cause to believe that certain violations of Wisconsin animal cruelty laws had occurred, including allegations relating to surgical procedures performed on dogs.[2] Prosecutors later stated that not all allegations could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt but that the settlement would resolve the case without criminal charges.[8]
Ridglan Farms has denied allegations of mistreatment, stating that inspections have not substantiated claims of abuse and that its animals are properly cared for.[9]
March 2026 action
editIn March 2026, a group of activists entered the Ridglan Farms property and removed beagle puppies. Participants described the action as an “open rescue”.[4] Authorities said the action involved unlawful entry.
Estimates of the number of dogs taken varied, with some reports stating about 30 animals and others giving lower figures.[3][4]
Law enforcement reported approximately 27 arrests in connection with the incident.[3]
April 2026 protest
editOn 18 April 2026, a larger demonstration took place at the facility. Authorities described the crowd as numbering in the hundreds, while other reports placed total attendance at around 1,000.[5][1]
Law enforcement officers used crowd-control measures, including tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets, after protesters attempted to breach the perimeter.[5] Approximately 25 people were arrested.[3]
No animals were reported to have been removed during the April protest.
A smaller gathering took place at the site the following day, and additional demonstrations were held at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.[3][10]
Legal proceedings
editIn April 2026, prosecutors filed felony burglary charges against four individuals in connection with the March incident, according to local reporting.[11] Court records indicated that bail was set for the defendants.[11]
At an initial hearing, a court commissioner said that while concern for animal welfare was understandable, individuals could not take the law into their own hands.[11]
As of April 2026, no charges had been widely reported in connection with the April protest.
Responses
editRidglan Farms described the actions as unlawful and dangerous and stated that its animals are treated in accordance with regulatory standards.[1]
Law enforcement officials said force was used in response to attempts to enter private property and to maintain public safety.[10]
Animal advocacy organisations, including PETA, called for the remaining dogs at the facility to be released or rehomed, and some urged state officials to intervene.[12]
Public reaction was divided, with some supporting the activists’ actions and others criticising them as unlawful.
Aftermath
editRidglan Farms remained scheduled to surrender its state breeding licence by 1 July 2026 under the 2025 settlement agreement.[6][1]
The long-term outcome for the dogs removed during the March action was not fully documented in public sources, though some reports indicated they were placed with adopters or animal care organisations.[4]
As of April 2026, legal proceedings relating to the March incident were ongoing.
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 "Animal rights activists storm Dane County dog breeding facility". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Dog days: A look into activists' attempt to remove dogs from Ridglan Farms". The Badger Herald. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Hundreds trying to storm Wisconsin beagle research facility met with rubber bullets, pepper spray". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Freed Ridglan Farms beagles adjust; activists plan second raid". FOX6 Milwaukee. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "About 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to storm a beagle research facility". Fortune. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Wisconsin dog breeder to give up license to avoid criminal charges". FOX6 Milwaukee. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Animal rights activists score 'big win' in Ridglan Farms case". Isthmus. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Beagle breeding facility agreed to give up its license, what happens next?". WISN 12 News. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". Ridglan Farms. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Animal welfare protesters converge on Wisconsin governor's office seeking release of beagles". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 "4 activists charged in March break-in at Wisconsin beagle breeding farm". WISN 12 News. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Beagles in Limbo at Ridglan Farms: PETA Calls on Governor Evers to Save State Funds and Dogs' Lives". PETA. Retrieved 24 April 2026.