Big Dog Ranch Rescue has announced the permanent closure of Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and will transfer its 475 remaining beagles to rescue groups and its Florida and Alabama campuses for care and adoption preparation.

Ridglan Farms has faced protests and legal scrutiny, including prior police use of tear gas and pepper spray on activists, and an October agreement to relinquish its state breeding license to avoid felony animal mistreatment charges.

The remaining 150 dogs are expected to be released by early August, after which Ridglan Farms will have no dogs on site.

Facility leaders and advocates urge an end to harassment of staff and neighbors as the transfer proceeds.

The farm has been the site of recent violent protests related to animal welfare issues.

Support from supervisor organizations, including iPaw Rescue and the Robert and Perri Bishop Foundation, helped make the rescue possible.

Supporters and partner organizations, notably iPaw Rescue and the Robert and Perri Bishop Foundation, are acknowledged for their role in the effort.

Authorities previously reported that eye procedures at Ridglan Farms violated state veterinary standards, contributing to regulatory action.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue intends to continue advocating against the use of dogs in research and for federal funding to end invasive studies.

Advocates note that beagles are commonly used in animal testing due to their size and temperament, a context cited to support calls for reducing animal testing and shifting to alternatives.

Beagles’ docile temperaments have historically made them common in research, fueling broader efforts to end or reduce animal testing.

Beagles’ small size and gentle temperaments are highlighted as a reason for their use in testing, reinforcing the push for alternatives.