Cover photo: Sarah Linn, donor engagement and operations manager at DCHS, sits calmly and watches as several beagles race around the yard behind DCHS’ barn.
Photograph provided by Dane County Humane Society.
For decades, Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds had been breeding beagles for research, becoming the second-largest research dog breeder in the country. That era finally came to an end.
Following months of negotiations, public demonstrations, legal pressure, and unprecedented nationwide cooperation among animal welfare organizations, every remaining beagle at Ridglan Farms—more than 2,100 dogs in total—was released this year. The facility also agreed to cease operations. For many involved in the rescue, the experience was one they’ll never forget.
Ready When the Moment Came
Late in 2025, Ridglan Farms reached a legal agreement that required the company to surrender its commercial dog breeding and seller’s license by July 1, 2026, to avoid criminal prosecution. The company has denied wrongdoing. No one was sure what the path forward would be for their remaining dogs.
In February 2026, the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE) began discussions with Ridglan Farms about acquiring the dogs before they could be sold to research facilities. After months of negotiations and public demonstrations outside the facility, Ridglan Farms agreed in late April to transfer ownership of 1,500 beagles to CHE and Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR).
Photograph provided by Dane County Humane Society.
“Walking into Ridglan Farms was surreal,” recalls Amy Good, director of development and marketing at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS). “Row after row of beagles had spent their entire lives in those buildings. Carrying them out one by one, knowing they would never have to go back, is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Caroline Wadington, executive assistant at DCHS and operations assistant at Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, assisted during the beagle rescue. “As soon as I stepped out into the sunlight with a beagle in my arms, I felt the pup look up at the sky for the first time and feel the warming sun on its cold nose,” Caroline says. “Its shaking settled, its breathing calmed, and its tight clench on me began to loosen. We both took a deep breath, and we knew everything was going to be alright from here on out.”
DCHS and its partners, Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, and Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, joined together to prepare 500 beagles for their next chapter. DCHS transformed its barn into a staging area for the dogs to receive veterinary exams, vaccinations, and a microchip before transferring to rescue partners throughout Wisconsin and beyond. BDRR took custody of 1,000 dogs.
Over four days, DCHS, CHE, and BFP staff transported the 500 beagles to DCHS. As they arrived, dozens of volunteers assisted with moving the dogs from transport vehicles into examination areas, where four veterinarians and their teams were ready. Among those veterinarians were Dr. Uri Donnett, DCHS’ lead shelter veterinarian, and Dr. Becky Stuntebeck, founder of Paws to Elevate and a former DCHS veterinarian. Both are board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Shelter Medicine Practice and have become experts in handling large intakes, infectious disease, shelter population management, housing, shelter consultation, and more.
As the veterinarians worked, many volunteers had the opportunity to experience a special moment with the dogs, watching them cautiously step out of their carriers and feel grass beneath their paws for the first time in a peaceful yard at DCHS. As they sniffed the earth and became more comfortable, awkward steps turned into joyful runs. Some chased each other while a few dogs found comfort simply being beside volunteers who patiently allowed them to adjust at their own pace.
“Much to my surprise, many of these beagles were quick to warm up to us,” says Caroline. “They were quiet during the van rides to DCHS, they explored and played with one another while in the yard, and many snuggled right into your arms as soon as you picked them up. Most notably, many were comfortable enough to fall asleep, sometimes right on your lap.
Photograph provided by Dane County Humane Society.
“Witnessing all of this made me realize that despite being deprived of so much, these beagles had somehow mastered what, for many of us, can take our whole lives to fully comprehend: the courage to forgive and the resilience to love and move forward. It’s that same courage and resilience that led them to becoming the little warriors that captured the hearts of DCHS staff, volunteers, and the entire nation.”
Of the 500 dogs, 450 were transferred to partner shelters and rescues while 50 remained at DCHS for spay and neuter surgeries, behavioral support, flea and tick treatment, and other necessary procedures prior to adoption.
The rescue effort continued in June, when Ridglan Farms transferred ownership of another 135 dogs—67 to BDRR and 68 to CHE and its partners, including DCHS. This time, nine dogs remained at DCHS.
Throughout the process, community support was overwhelming. At DCHS alone, more than 1,700 people completed adoption and foster applications in hopes of welcoming one of the beagles into their homes. Potential adopters received specialized educational materials, counseling, behavioral guidance, and ongoing support to prepare them for the unique needs of dogs transitioning from research breeding facilities.
Every one of the 59 beagles in DCHS’ care quickly found a loving family. Each adopter was excited to welcome these deserving dogs with patience, compassion, and a commitment to helping them experience a life filled with love, safety, and new adventures.
Photograph provided by Dane County Humane Society.
Even though many beagles were transferred to other shelters and rescues, DCHS veterinarians saw some again through DCHS’ Shelter Support Program. The program allows DCHS veterinarians to provide partner shelters and rescues around the state with essential veterinary care that many organizations struggle to access, like spay and neuter surgeries.
Then the final milestone came. Ridglan Farms agreed to release its remaining 475 beagles and cease operations. “Being a part of the Ridglan rescue was emotional at times, but most of all, it was rewarding,” says Caroline. “It reminded me of why we do what we do here at DCHS and the importance of our mission to help people help animals. We as an organization excel profoundly in our role providing animals in need with the utmost level of care, love, and compassion that they all deserve, and the Ridglan Release is a true testament to that.”
Amy says, “Ridglan Farms was right in our backyard, and our compassionate community showed up for these dogs. DCHS is proud to be a leader in animal welfare, and leadership means showing up when you’re needed, sharing your expertise, and working alongside incredible partners. Every organization, volunteer, advocate, donor, and adopter helped write this success story.”