The final group of beagles bred for biomedical research has left the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin [1, 2].
The relocation marks the end of a breeding operation that drew significant public controversy due to its role in supplying animals for medical testing. The move represents a shift toward animal liberation for thousands of dogs that spent their lives in a research-oriented environment.
A total of 2,115 beagles have been moved from the facility since the transfer process began in late April 2024 [3]. The operation concluded this week when the final 155 dogs were loaded for transport to new homes [3].
Ridglan Farms had specialized in breeding beagles specifically for use in biomedical research [1, 2]. The effort to relocate the animals was designed to provide the dogs with freedom and permanently cease the facility's breeding activities [1, 2].
The transfer effort spanned several months, involving a coordinated logistics operation to ensure the dogs were moved safely. The final group departed the property on a Wednesday, completing the evacuation of the breeding population [2, 3].
While the facility operated as a supplier for the research industry, the relocation effort was prompted by the desire to end the cycle of breeding for laboratory use [1, 2]. The dogs are now being transitioned into domestic environments, moving from a controlled research pipeline to private care.
“A total of 2,115 beagles have been moved from the facility since late April 2024.”
The closure of the Ridglan Farms breeding operation reflects a growing tension between the requirements of biomedical research and the ethical demands of animal welfare advocates. By relocating over 2,000 animals, the operation signals a move away from large-scale, dedicated breeding facilities for laboratory beagles in the U.S.
