The facility houses an estimated 2,000 beagles used for breeding and research. Ridglan Farms denies mistreating animals but agreed in October 2025 to surrender its state breeding license by July 2026 in a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
Around 25 protesters were arrested Saturday as approximately 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to breach Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, about 25 miles southwest of Madison. Officers fired pepper spray and rubber bullets to repel the group, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Protesters attempted to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales, and a barbed-wire fence. Some breached the fence but were unable to enter the facility, which houses an estimated 2,000 beagles.
Recurring Confrontations
This was the second major attempt in two months. In March, 27 people were arrested after protesters took 30 dogs from the facility.
Sunday’s Calmer Demonstration
On Sunday, about 200 people assembled outside the farm. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett described the situation as “significantly calmer and more peaceful,” with the group dispersing after approximately two hours. “We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms,” Barrett said. “We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”
Confrontation and Arrests
On Saturday, the sheriff said in a video statement that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property.” Wayne Hsiung, 44, of New York and leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, was arrested Saturday on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. Most other arrestees were booked and released.
In a statement from jail, Hsiung accused authorities of using excessive force. “No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort,” he said. “The animals of this Earth are not ‘things.’ They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse.”
The Facility’s Position
Ridglan Farms denies mistreating animals. The facility said on its website that “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.” In October 2025, Ridglan agreed to surrender its state breeding license by July 2026 in a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.