Dear John,
Right now, in Dane County, Wisconsin, approximately 2,000 beagles and puppies are being held in windowless warehouses at a biomedical breeding facility called Ridglan Farms. These dogs have spent their lives confined in metal crates, denied access to the outdoors, natural light, or even the basic dignity of fresh air.
Today, the NhRP and the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project (AALDP) filed a groundbreaking lawsuit asking the court to recognize the beagles’ legal right to be free from cruelty.
The petition includes evidence of dog culling performed for business rather than veterinary reasons, dogs spinning in their cages from chronic stress, untreated injuries, and a hazardous environment. It asks the court for immediate action to protect these dogs from future abuse by ordering their transfer from Ridglan to rescue organizations that can provide proper care, rehabilitation, and adoption for the dogs.
Last year, a Wisconsin court found probable cause that Ridglan violated state anti-cruelty laws. To avoid criminal prosecution, Ridglan agreed to relinquish its license by July 1, 2026. In the meantime, however, 2,000 vulnerable dogs remain trapped at the facility—unprotected and at risk. Every additional day the beagles remain at Ridglan has severe consequences for their physical and psychological well-being.
In addition to our habeas corpus petition, we have asked the court for a temporary injunction to prohibit the unnecessary euthanasia, sale, or transfer of these beagles, and to appoint a Guardian ad Litem to oversee the dogs during this litigation.
This case is a historic moment for the Wisconsin justice system. When cherished legal principles—such as protecting animals from cruelty—are ignored, we must advocate for the justice system to step up and protect nonhuman animals.
Visit the Ridglan beagles’ client page on our website to learn more about our latest case for nonhuman animal rights in Wisconsin, and take action today to voice your support for their immediate release by adding your name to our petition.
