Criminal breeder Ridglan Farms just collapsed under investigation, but Texas A&M still refuses to free the Chami and Felicity, who they purchased from this abusive facility.

Texas A&M Bought from a Criminal Operation

Texas A&M purchased beagles from Ridglan Farms because, in their own words, they’re cheap. For years, Ridglan—the second largest beagle breeding facility in the nation—stacked more than 3,000 dogs in small wire cages like inventory and sold them as commodities. Dogs were forced to stand in wire-floored cages in their own waste, unloved and neglected.

The horrors at Ridglan weren’t a secret. Former employees, state veterinarians, and multiple agencies documented ongoing illegal surgical procedures at Ridglan dating back to 2017. Despite orders to remedy the mistreatment, inspections confirmed the animal abuse went unabated.

In January 2025, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Rhonda Lanford determined there was overwhelming evidence of criminal animal cruelty and appointed a special prosecutor to examine the case. In September 2025, the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board suspended the license of Ridglan’s lead veterinarian.

Now, facing criminal charges from the special prosecutor, Ridglan has surrendered its breeding license to save themselves from felony animal cruelty charges. The facility is done. (Read the Press Release, joint signed by Beagle Freedom Project, Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and Rise for Animals)

This Has Happened Before

Ridglan’s record mirrors that of Envigo, another beagle breeding facility. In 2022, federal authorities seized approximately 4,000 beagles from Envigo after it was found guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act. Envigo’s corporate parent later pleaded guilty to criminal charges and paid a $35 million penalty.

Texas A&M knew what kind of operation they were supporting. They chose to buy from Ridglan anyway.

From One Hell to Another

Chami and Felicity were terrorized at Ridglan, then purchased by Texas A&M. At Texas A&M, they were further tortured as Chami spun in circles in psychological distress, defecating on herself while both were assigned to a painful infusion test designed to end in their deaths.

Beagle Freedom Project prevailed in court with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to halt the test and save their lives. BFP has repeatedly offered to give them freedom and homes—both in and out of court. Texas A&M refuses.
Chami and Felicity have survived hell. They deserve homes, not more experiments.

It’s Time to Turn Up the Pressure