Baywatch Icon Alexandra Paul Detained in Wisconsin Beagle Protest
Alexandra Paul, the renowned actress from the television series Baywatch, was taken into custody in Wisconsin over the weekend following her involvement in an operation to liberate beagles from a contentious breeding facility. The 62-year-old star was arrested on Sunday morning and subsequently booked at the Dane County Jail on a single count of trespassing, as confirmed by the Dane County Sheriff's Office.
Protest at Ridglan Farms Leads to Multiple Arrests
The arrest occurred after Paul allegedly participated in a demonstration at Ridglan Farms, a breeding establishment located in Blue Mounds that supplies beagles for scientific research. This facility has consistently attracted scrutiny from animal welfare advocates due to its practices. In an official press release issued on Monday, the sheriff's office detailed that approximately 50 to 60 protesters entered the property without authorisation and proceeded to remove a significant number of dogs. A total of 20 individuals were apprehended during the incident.
Law enforcement officials reported that two vehicles, along with burglary tools and additional evidence, were confiscated at the scene. While some of the beagles taken were recovered and returned to Ridglan Farms, several remain missing, according to the sheriff's office statement.
Sheriff's Statement on the Incident
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett addressed the situation, stating, 'The Dane County Sheriff's Office understands how deeply people feel for the beagles at Ridglan Farms, and we respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests.' He emphasised the role of law enforcement in ensuring safety and responding to unlawful activities, encouraging concerned parties to pursue lawful and constructive channels for addressing animal welfare issues.
The investigation into the protest and the removal of the beagles is currently ongoing, with authorities working to resolve the matter.
Involvement of Animal Rights Groups
Wayne Hsiung, an attorney and co-founder of the animal rights organisation Direct Action Everywhere, shared videos and photographs from the operation, claiming that 22 dogs were successfully rescued during the protest. Hsiung was also arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail on Sunday morning on trespassing charges, highlighting the coordinated nature of the demonstration.
It is noteworthy that Ridglan Farms had previously agreed to cease its breeding operations by July 1, 2026, following sustained pressure from activists.
Alexandra Paul's History of Activism
Alexandra Paul has a well-documented history of civil disobedience spanning nearly four decades, resulting in numerous arrests for various causes, including animal rights advocacy. Her activism includes:
- More than 12 arrests between 1987 and 2000 at the Nevada Test Site for anti-nuclear protests.
- An arrest in 1989 while advocating for individuals living with HIV.
- A five-day detention in Los Angeles in 2003 after refusing to pay a fine related to an Iraq War protest.
In recent years, Paul has intensified her focus on animal rights and environmental issues. Since joining Direct Action Everywhere in 2016, she has been involved in multiple high-profile actions:
- Arrested in 2017 for participating in a sit-in at an Oakland, California slaughterhouse.
- Detained in 2018 for civil disobedience at Sunrise Chicken Farm.
- Spent two days in Sonoma County jail in 2019 after protesting at Reichardt Duck Farm.
- Arrested in 2020 for attempting to rescue a pig from a Farmer John slaughterhouse.
- Arrested in 2023 for rescuing a chicken from a Foster Farms slaughterhouse truck, though she was later acquitted after a nine-day trial.
Career Highlights of Alexandra Paul
Alexandra Paul is best known for her role as Stephanie Holden on the popular television series Baywatch, which she portrayed from 1992 to 1997. Her acting career began in 1982 with the film Paper Dolls, and she subsequently appeared in notable movies such as Christine (1983), Just the Way You Are (1984), American Flyers (1985), 8 Million Ways to Die (1986), and Dragnet (1987). Her tenure on Baywatch solidified her status as a television icon, contributing to the show's global success during the 1990s.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Alexandra Paul to seek further comment on her recent arrest and ongoing activism efforts.
