Tell WI Governor Evers—Free the 2,000 Ridglan Beagles Now

In Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, thousands of beagles are still locked in cages inside Ridglan Farms—one of the largest dog-breeding facilities in the United States and one of the last major suppliers of beagles for research. 

For years, this facility has been the subject of mounting concern. According to investigators, whistleblowers, and undercover footage, dogs at Ridglan Farms have allegedly endured systemic mistreatment, including improper handling and invasive procedures that violated veterinary standards.  A judge found probable cause of animal cruelty violations, triggering a rare criminal investigation.

Under legal pressure, Ridglan Farms agreed to surrender its commercial breeding license by July 1, 2026. But that agreement created a dangerous gap: the facility has been allowed to continue operating—and keeping dogs confined—for months during the phaseout. 

Today, roughly 2,000 beagles are still trapped inside. Meanwhile, protests have erupted across Wisconsin, with thousands demanding action—and rescue groups across the country have made clear they are ready to take these dogs in immediately. 

This is not just a regulatory issue. It is a moral one.
Governor Tony Evers has the responsibility to act now—before more dogs spend another day in confinement.

We call on Governor Evers to:

Order immediate intervention and oversight at Ridglan Farms

Facilitate the release of all dogs to qualified rescue organizations

Prevent further commercial sale or transfer of these animals

Strengthen enforcement to ensure this never happens again

These dogs have lived their entire lives in cages, bred for experimentation. They deserve sunlight, safety, and the chance to finally be treated as companions—not commodities.

Please sign the petition to tell Governor Evers: the evidence is clear. The public is watching. Free the Ridglan beagles now.

The petition to Wisconsin Governor Evers reads: Ridglan Farms—one of the nation’s largest suppliers of dogs for research—has been linked to alleged mistreatment and is set to shut down, yet thousands of beagles remain confined inside during this prolonged phaseout. We urge you to act now to secure their release, prevent further commercial sales, and ensure these dogs are finally given the care, safety, and freedom they deserve.

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Sources:

CBS News | Animal welfare protest targets Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers over beagles at Ridglan Farms | https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/animal-welfare-protest-wisconsin-governor-tony-evers-beagles-ridglan-farms/

Associated Press | Police use tear gas at protest over beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin | https://apnews.com/article/e65e2b473a19f7eda559394340403cba

Animal Welfare Institute | Beagle Breeder Under Investigation | https://awionline.org/awi-quarterly/fall-2025/beagle-breeder-under-investigation