Baywatch actor Alexandra Paul has been arrested for allegedly freeing 30 beagles from a controversial animal breeding facility in Wisconsin.
Paul, 62, was among 20 animal rights protesters taken into custody on Sunday after police said a group of about 60 activists were caught on camera breaking into Ridglan Farms, a lab near Madison that breeds beagles for scientific research.
The actor, who played Lt. Stephanie Holden on the 1990s series Baywatch, remains in Dane County Jail ahead of her arraignment, according to online jail records.
Activist group Direct Action Everywhere said they rescued 30 beagles from the facility, but noted that police took eight dogs away from the protesters. Co-founder Wayne Hsiung said in a statement from jail: 'We did what we believed was necessary to bring the dogs to safety after authorities declined to intervene.'
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement: 'Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place. We encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare or research practices to engage through lawful and constructive avenues.'
Footage shared on social media showed activists in white protective gear breaking into the facility and removing barking dogs from cages. Ridglan Farms said the activists cut a chain-link fence and gate. Police seized two vehicles and tools including sledgehammers and electric saws.
This is not the first time Paul has been arrested for animal rights activism. In 2019, she was charged with misdemeanor theft after taking two chickens from a farm truck, but was found not guilty.
