Protest Erupts at Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility as Activists Attempt Dog Rescue

Sun Apr 19 2026 15:01:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A major standoff occurred at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, where about 1,000 activists clashed with law enforcement while attempting to rescue beagles from breeding and research operations.

On Saturday, around 1,000 animal rights activists gathered at Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, aiming to rescue beagles from a breeding facility. The protests turned violent as police utilized rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Despite barriers and an intensified police presence, the activists faced considerable opposition while trying to gain entrance to the facility, leading to several arrests, including that of their leader, Wayne Hsiung. This incident marks a significant escalation in ongoing efforts to address animal mistreatment concerns associated with the facility.

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (AP) — A significant protest took place on Saturday as around 1,000 animal welfare advocates attempted to breach the Ridglan Farms beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin, only to be met by police who used rubber bullets and pepper spray to control the crowd.

This marked the second attempt within two months by activists to liberate beagles at the facility located in Blue Mounds, approximately 25 miles from Madison.

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett noted in a video statement that numerous protesters engaged in violent actions aimed at breaking into the property, violating designated protest areas and obstructing emergency services.

“This is not a peaceful protest,” Barrett described during the escalating situation.

Although a substantial number of individuals were arrested, the exact total was unclear as activits were still being processed by mid-afternoon.

The protesters confronted numerous barricades including hay bales, manure-filled trenches, and barbed-wire fences, with attempts to bypass the security measures. Reports indicated that some activists succeeded in breaching parts of the fence but could not access the interior of the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are housed.

“I just feel defeated,” shared activist Julie Vrzeski, expressing disappointment after three hours without a successful seizure of any dogs.

The Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs had announced intentions to rescue the beagles, altering their operation timeframe unexpectedly, with group leader Wayne Hsiung later posting on social media a picture of his arrest.

The sheriff’s department revealed a person was arrested for recklessly driving a pickup through the facility's gates, averting a potentially dangerous scenario.

This follows a previous protest in March that resulted in activists successfully taking 30 dogs, leading to multiple arrests.

Despite claims of animal mistreatment, Ridglan Farms has asserted, through its website, that there is no credible evidence supporting allegations of abuse or neglect, stating its intention to relinquish its state breeding license to avoid future prosecution.