A controversial chapter in Wisconsin's history has officially come to a close after the last beagles were removed from Ridglan Farms, leaving the breeding, research, and testing facility empty after 60 years of operations.
The rescue of the final 155 dogs marks both an emotional milestone and the beginning of the dogs' transition into safer environments and, eventually, permanent homes.
According to CBS 58, Big Dog Ranch Rescue took the final 155 beagles from Ridglan Farms in Dane County, Wisconsin, among them 141 puppies estimated to be about 4 months old.
That final transfer brings the total number of dogs that Big Dog Ranch Rescue removed from the facility to 2,115.
The Ridglan Farms facility had surrendered its breeding license, effective July 1 of this year, after countless allegations of mistreatment and abuse of its dogs. However, it still admits no wrongdoing.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Ridglan Farms, which was the second-largest breeding facility for research dogs in the country, was accused of at least 311 violations of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, including "failing to handle dogs in a humane manner."
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After the last dogs were taken out, Big Dog Ranch Rescue wrote on social media: "Today, after 60 years, the facility is finally completely empty, with no dogs remaining. This moment was made possible by countless donors, adopters, fosters, volunteers, and supporters from around the world coming together for these dogs."
But before these beagles can be adopted, they will undergo medical evaluations, get vaccinations, and be spayed or neutered, Big Dog Ranch Rescue said, according to CBS 58.
As Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, explained to the outlet, this moment "represents a historic victory for these beagles and for everyone who believes dogs deserve protection from cruelty. Every rescued beagle carries both a heartbreaking past and the promise of a hopeful future."
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