Big Dog Ranch Rescue Saves 1,500 Beagles from Ridglan
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy negotiated a confidential agreement to purchase 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms for an undisclosed price.
- Lauree Simmons, president of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, said the first 300 rescued beagles were “super sweet” and seemed to know they were safe.
- Ridglan Farms agreed to surrender its state breeding license effective July 1 to avoid felony animal‑mistreatment prosecution.
- Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray on April 18 when about 1,000 activists attempted to take beagles from the Blue Mounds facility, leading to 29 arrests and felony burglary charges for five.
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue has received over 700 adoption applications and is screening families while moving dogs to shelters nationwide, with 1,000 slated for adoption and the rest kept by the Center for a Humane Economy.
- Beagles are the most common breed used in animal testing because of their size and docile temperament, according to Simmons, highlighting why the rescue matters.
Why it matters: Rescue groups gain 1,500 dogs for adoption, expanding animal‑welfare resources, while Ridglan Farms loses its breeding operation and faces felony charges. The shift removes a major source of laboratory beagles, potentially reducing animal testing supply and highlighting the impact of activist pressure.
Ask SkimNews
