BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT WAS HONORED TO OVERSEE THE PLACEMENT OF 568 RIDGLAN BEAGLES INTO LOVING HOMES, WHERE THEY ARE NOW BEGINNING THEIR NEW LIVES IN FREEDOM
For decades, Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, was one of the largest commercial breeders of beagles for animal experimentation in the United States. Thousands of beagles were bred at the facility and sold to laboratories, spending their lives inside cages. In May 2026, approximately 1,500 beagles were released in one of the largest rescues of laboratory beagles in U.S. history. Rescue organizations from across the country worked together to transport the dogs to safety, where they received medical care, rehabilitation, and the chance to begin new lives. BFP was honored to oversee the placement of 568 of the Ridglan beagles into loving homes.
“This is a historic moment for the thousands of dogs who suffered and for everyone who refused to stop fighting for them,” said Shannon Keith, founder and president of Beagle Freedom Project. “The closure of Ridglan proves that change is possible when advocates, rescuers, lawmakers, and compassionate people come together to demand better for animals.”
The Ridglan Farms beagles need immediate medical care — veterinary assessments, surgeries, vaccinations, and various treatments — as well as toys, beds, treats, & healthy meals! You can help them access the care they need by donating today! Click here to make a life-changing donation!
RIDGLAN BEAGLES IN THEIR LOVING HOMES
Roadie is settling into her new home beautifully. She has a pack of dog siblings who welcomed her with open paws from day one, and she has been slowly discovering all the things she missed out on before, like curling up in a big cozy bed, sunbathing by the pool, and enjoying sniffaris around her new neighborhood. She is learning that new sounds like music and the television aren’t quite so scary after all when she has her family by her side.
Mabel is taking a little longer to come out of her shell. After spending nearly a decade confined to a cage and being bred over and over, she arrived at her home extremely shut down. Thankfully, her dedicated foster mom has been helping her feel safe and build trust. Little by little, Mabel is gaining confidence—exploring the backyard, experiencing new things, and spending time with her adorable BFP alumni foster siblings. Every day, she is growing more comfortable in the life she always deserved.
THE FIGHT’S NOT OVER YET
While the closure of Ridglan Farms represents a major victory, Beagle Freedom Project notes that tens of thousands of dogs remain trapped in commercial breeding facilities and laboratories across the globe like Marshall BioResources in the United States and abroad, that continue to supply animals for experimentation and test on them.
“Ridglan’s closure is not the end of this fight,” Keith said. “Dogs are still being bred and sold to laboratories across the country and the world. We will continue working until every breeding facility is closed, every laboratory is closed, and every animal has a chance at freedom, and animal testing is replaced with modern, human-relevant science. Animal testing will and must end.”
Help us end animal testing by asking PetSmart and PetCo to cut their ties with Marshall BioResources.
IN THE PRESS
Black Sabbath star Geezer Butler helps rescue 1,500 beagles from breeding farm
First stop for group of rescued Ridglan beagles: the Dane County Humane Society
Watch: BLACK SABBATH's GEEZER BUTLER Joins Push To Rehome Beagles From Ridglan Farms In Wisconsin
Rescued beagles travel from Wisconsin to forever homes in Los Angeles
For beagles released from Ridglan Farms, a new beginning starts here.
Thanks to you.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
To contact our team about the Ridglan Farms Beagles, email: RidglanRescue@bfp.org
If you’re adopting or fostering a beagle through an organization other than BFP, please feel free to utilize BFP’s Care Guide here.
Ridglan Farms Confirmed Placement Partner Organizations
We thank you for your support and interest! In ensuring the best possible chance at finding a forever home, these precious companion animals have been transferred to one of our trusted rescue partners. Because they are now in their care, please reach out directly to the receiving organization for the most up-to-date adoption information and availability.
Northern CA Animal Rescue Friends – CA
Animal Rescue League of Iowa – IA
Border Tails Rescue – IL
Adams County Humane Society – WI
Animal Humane Society – MN
Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter – WI
Chicago Rescue Authority – IL
Chippewa Humane Association – WI
Clark County Humane Society – WI
Columbia County Humane Society – WI
Dane County Humane Society – WI
Dunn Country Humane Society – WI
Eau Claire County Humane – WI
Fond du Lac Humane Society – WI
Green County Humane Society – WI
Humane Animal Welfare (HAWS) – WI
Humane Society of Barron County – WI
Jefferson County Humane Society – WI
Lakeshore Humane – WI
Northwoods Humane Society – WI
Oneida County Humane Society – WI
Oshkosh Area Humane Society – WI
Paddy’s Paws – WI
Underdog Pet Rescue – WI
Washington County Humane Society – WI
Watertown Humane Society – WI
Waupaca County Humane Society – WI
Wisconsin Humane Society – WI