Hundreds of adorable dogs have been rescued from a Wisconsin research lab and will soon be available for adoption. Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida received 300 beagles on Saturday night from Ridglan Farms, a facility that breeds dogs for veterinary medicine testing and illness research.
Animal Cruelty Allegations
In 2025, a judge found probable cause of animal cruelty at the lab after state inspectors uncovered 300 alleged animal welfare violations. The pups reportedly had untreated injuries and underwent surgeries without anesthesia.
Legal Agreement and Activist Response
Ridglan Farms reached an agreement in October 2025 to surrender its breeding license by July 1, 2026. However, animal rights activists remained outraged. Some broke into the facility in March and took 22 beagles, eight of which were later returned by police, as reported by the Sun Sentinel. The following month, hundreds of protesters gathered at Ridglan Farms, leading to multiple arrests after a standoff.
Rescue Operation
The rescue team and the Center for a Humane Economy struck a deal with the lab last week to rescue more than 1,000 beagles. Big Dog Ranch Rescue received the first 300 on Saturday night. 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up in the late and early hours to welcome our transport buses and vans and help receive these dogs with such care and compassion,' the rescue center wrote on Facebook. 'Because of your prayers and generous donations, we have been able to transport 300 of these precious beagles here to begin their new journey in life. While this is a major milestone, the road ahead is still a long one.'
Lab's Statement
In a statement to Fox News, the research lab addressed the abuse allegations: 'The dogs at Ridglan Farms are happy, healthy and well cared for. Publicly available USDA documentation shows this has been the case for many years. As the dogs sold this week leave our veterinary research facility, we hope they will continue to live happy lives in their new adopted homes.'
Adoption Process
The four-legged friends will be spayed or neutered upon arrival at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, where they will also receive proper vaccinations and microchipping before joining new families. An additional 700 beagles will be transported to the Florida rescue ranch at a later date, while the Center for a Humane Economy will arrange new spots for the remaining 500 pups at the lab.
Beagles in Testing
According to the Beagle Freedom Project, beagles are the top choice for testing because of their friendly, docile nature. 'The same characteristics that make them incredible companions and family members are why they are exploited by the animal testing industry,' per the organization. Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, praised the workers and called the arrangement 'one of the largest transfers' ever.
