Ridglan Farms Shuts Down – 475 Beagles Being Sent To Rescues

The Wisconsin breeding and research facility that supplied beagles to animal testing programs and recently made headlines when some of its dogs were relocated to shelters, including Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, is shutting down permanently.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced this week that it has reached an agreement to permanently close Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and relocate the facility's remaining 475 beagles.

WHAT HAPPENED?

For many animal advocates, yesterday's announcement marks the end of a years-long effort to have the facility closed.

"Not one dog will remain," Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons said during a news conference in Wisconsin. "No more breeding, no more testing, no more anything."

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The rescue group says about 200 dogs began leaving the facility Monday, with another 125 transferred Tuesday. The remaining dogs are puppies that will stay temporarily before being moved in August.

WILL TCHS BE GETTING MORE BEAGLES FROM THIS FACILITY?

The development is especially significant for central Minnesota animal lovers. Earlier this year, Tri-County Humane Society took in several beagles that had been removed from Ridglan Farms, giving residents a glimpse into the larger effort to relocate the dogs.

I reached out to Kate at Tri-County Humane Society to see if they would be receiving any of the remaining dogs at the facility, and at this time, they have not been approached for that reason.

Some of the beagles will be placed with rescue organizations around the country. Others will be taken to Big Dog Ranch Rescue campuses in Florida and Alabama, where they will be spayed, neutered, medically evaluated, and prepared for adoption.

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SALES, RESEARCH, AND TESTING PROGRAMS

Ridglan Farms has long been the focus of criticism from animal welfare organizations. The company agreed last year to surrender its Wisconsin breeding license and recently committed to ending its dog breeding, sales, research, and testing operations.

BEAGLES ARE 'HEALTHY AND WELL'

In a statement, the company said the dogs being transferred are healthy and well cared for, and expressed hope they will continue to thrive in their new homes.

Beagles are the breed most commonly used in research settings because of their size and gentle temperament. Animal advocates say the closure means hundreds of dogs will now have the opportunity to experience life as family pets.

For many of those dogs, the next chapter is just beginning.