While factory farming is usually associated with poultry and livestock, a lesser-known sector of this industry operates much the same way for a different purpose. Across the U.S. and internationally, a number of large-scale facilities are dedicated to breeding dogs for laboratory experiments.

On March 15, 2026, animal rights activists breached one such facility—Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. The facility is known for breeding beagles specifically for scientific research. The incident resulted in 20 arrests and the removal of over 20 dogs.

The Breach and Mass Arrests

Approximately 60 activists broke into the biomedical research facility Ridglan Farms in an “open rescue” organised by the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, led by animal rights activist Wayne Hsiung. They breached the perimeter by cutting through a chain-link fence and a locked gate. While organizers deemed the operation a success, they stressed that their mission is far from over. “There are still almost 2,000 dogs on site here and each one of those dogs’ lives matter,” stated activist Emily Anderson.

The animal rights organization Direct Action Everywhere claimed they successfully rescued 30 beagles from the facility, though police subsequently took 8 of them back from the activists. In a statement released from jail, Wayne Hsiung said: “After authorities refused to intervene, we did what we felt was necessary to bring the dogs to safety.”

Law enforcement detained or arrested about 20 individuals at the scene and seized two vehicles. Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett responded by stating that while he understands public concern for animal welfare and respects the right to peaceful protest. He emphasized: “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.”

The Troubled Legal History of a Controversial Dog-Breeding Facility

In business since 1966, Ridglan Farms has long been dedicated to supplying research dogs to the biomedical community. However, in late 2025, the facility faced strict regulatory scrutiny regarding animal welfare issues. The controversial dog-breeding facility was charged with 311 violations of Wisconsin Administrative Code, including failing to handle dogs “in a humane manner that does not cause physical harm or unnecessary injury.” A judge also upheld the emergency suspension of Dr. Rick Van Domelen, the lead veterinarian and facility manager at Ridglan Farms. Ultimately, to avoid facing animal cruelty charges, the case was resolved through a settlement, with Ridglan Farms agreeing to surrender its commercial dog breeding license and cease all breeding and selling dogs for laboratory research by July 1, 2026.

Inside the Industry: The Reality of Laboratory Beagles

Due to their uniquely docile and obedient nature, beagles are the most common breed used for biomedical research, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and toxicity testing. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 42,880 dogs were held or used in research, testing, teaching, or experimentation in 2024. Notably, several hundred of those dogs were used in procedures where pain was “not minimised.”

However, the environment inside these commercial breeding facilities starkly contrasts with how most people view domestic pets. Eva Hamer, an activist who entered the facility during a prior open rescue in 2017, noted that the enclosures are comparable to those used for egg-laying hens. “The size to body ratio is similar to a chicken farm,” Hamer stated. “If [the cages] are twice the length of a dog’s body, then the dog never needs to leave that cage.” She further described the severe sensory impact of the farm, recalling that “you can smell them from a mile away,” and detailing the haunting noise of “thousands of dogs, howling.”

Legal representatives of Ridglan Farms condemned the breach, stating that the activists committed serious crimes and caused major damage, emphasizing that they will seek full legal prosecution. The activists, however, insist that direct intervention is a necessary measure when regulatory mechanisms fail to protect animals. Hsiung stressed: “If the government won’t rescue these dogs from abuse, we will.”

As Ridglan Farms prepares to surrender its commercial breeding license and halt the sale of research dogs by the July 2026 deadline—though the facility itself is permitted to continue operating—the fate of its remaining dogs remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the arrested activists await further legal proceedings.