Beagle Lovers And Rescuers Inc.@BeagleRescuers
22 beagles from Ridglan Farms are safe and receiving care. Eight were recovered by the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, and reports suggest they may have been returned to Ridglan Farms, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Here is a summary of what happened and what may transpire next.
Ridglan Farms has operated since the 1960s and has long been one of the largest commercial breeders of beagles used in biomedical research in the United States. For years, the facility has faced protests, regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing criticism from animal advocacy groups opposed to the breeding of dogs for laboratory experimentation.
On Sunday, March 15, at approximately 8:30 a.m. CST, Wayne Hsiung of The Simple Heart and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere led volunteers in a nonviolent open rescue of beagles from inside Ridglan Farms.
Before entering the property, the rescuers notified the Dane County Sheriff’s Office that the open rescue was about to take place. This was done to ensure full transparency, to avoid any perception of concealment, and to make clear that their actions were motivated by concern for the animals rather than criminal intent.
According to authorities, some individuals entered secured areas of the facility and began removing dogs. Law enforcement responded shortly after, and approximately 20 people were taken into custody at the scene. Those arrested included Wayne Hsiung, 44, of New York; Aditya V. Aswani, 29, of Brooklyn, New York; and Dean F. Wyrzykowski, 29, of San Francisco, California. Aswani was booked into the Dane County Jail on a tentative burglary charge, while Hsiung and Wyrzykowski were booked on tentative criminal trespass charges.
Officials noted that those detained were cooperative during the arrests.
In a public statement, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the treatment of beagles at the facility while emphasizing the department’s responsibility to enforce the law. He stated that while peaceful protest is respected, law enforcement must respond when unlawful activity occurs. Barrett also encouraged those concerned about animal welfare to pursue lawful and constructive channels for advocacy, adding that the Sheriff’s Office remains focused on public safety and ensuring all parties can exercise their rights within legal boundaries.
Release of Arrested Activists After Ridglan Farms Rescue
On March 17, 2026, individuals arrested during the March 15 open rescue were released from the Dane County Jail following processing and an initial review of charges. Approximately 20 activists had been taken into custody, facing tentative charges including criminal trespass and, in at least one case, burglary. As is typical in nonviolent protest-related cases, those detained were released pending further legal proceedings, often under conditions such as signature bonds and agreements to appear in court at a later date.
Supporters gathered outside the jail as activists were released, greeting them with visible emotion, solidarity, and growing media attention. Following his release, Wayne Hsiung stated that he plans to return to Ridglan Farms to rescue the remaining beagles still inside.
Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence before determining whether to file formal charges. Advocates view this moment as both a continuation of their efforts and a renewed opportunity to bring public attention to the treatment of beagles at Ridglan Farms.
What Lies Ahead for Ridglan Farms After Its License Ends in 2026?
Ridglan Farms will lose its Wisconsin Dog Breeder License, issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), on July 1, 2026. This license is required for facilities that commercially breed and sell dogs, including supplying beagles to laboratories and research institutions.
Once the license is revoked, Ridglan Farms will no longer be legally permitted to breed or sell beagles in Wisconsin. However, the loss of this license does not require the facility to shut down entirely, nor does it prohibit the continued housing or use of animals for research under other regulatory frameworks, including federal oversight.
As a result, the facility is expected to continue operating, potentially shifting its focus away from breeding and sales toward in-house or contract research involving beagles.
