Four of the alleged organizers of a break-in at the notorious beagle breeding facility, Ridglan Farms, have had their theft-related charges dismissed.
All four of the individuals still face felony charges.
Here's what to know
The March 15 incident at Ridglan Farms involved about 50 animal rights activists in color-coded teams, WKOW reported. The outlet reported that the 'red team' was tasked with removing the beagles from the breeding and research facility, the 'yellow team' with help from outside the building, and the 'green team' with aid outside the private property.
During the break-in, the 50 activists cut through a barbed-wire fence to remove 22 of the beagles. Of the 22 dogs, the breeding facility recovered eight, per WKOW.
Now, the four organizers face burglary charges and felony charges for criminal damage to property. The four defendants are Aditya Aswani, 29, of New York; Michelle Lunsky, 33, of Mesa, Arizona; Wayne Hsiung, 45, of San Jose; and Dean Wyrzykowski, 29, of San Francisco.
Dane County Circuit Court records show that prosecutors moved to dismiss two counts against each defendant: theft of movable property and attempted theft of movable property, both as a party to a crime.
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The controversial research facility told police that the activists caused at least $42,000 in damages and stole $44,000 worth of research beagles, $2,000 each, per WKOW.
Ridglan Farms supplied surveillance recordings and damage estimates to investigators. To identify participants, investigators reviewed social media posts alongside body-camera and surveillance footage, WKOW reported.
Ridglan Farms has since wound down its breeding operations and surrendered its breeding license, while maintaining no wrongdoing, despite the countless allegations of abuse and neglect of the animals.
Animal rescue groups have also purchased thousands of the beagles to help place them in their forever homes.
Where can I learn more?
The charges still pending in the Ridglan Farms case show the legal risks of taking animals from a facility.
• In southern Missouri, rescuers saved 86 dogs from commercial breeders during Operation Eclipse.
• In England, activists were convicted over taking lambs from Sandringham, saying the King would have consented.
• A dog rescued from a 200-dog property was adopted after 1,000 days.
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