Dane County Sheriff's Office Arrests Protesters at Ridglan Farms Facility

Activists attempted to break into beagle breeding and research facility, leading to a 'significant number of arrests'

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuff keys against a stark, black background, conceptually representing the confrontation between protesters and law enforcement during the attempted break-in at Ridglan Farms.The seizure of tools like handcuff keys by law enforcement underscores the tension between animal rights activists and the facility they were trying to infiltrate.Blue Mounds Today

The Dane County Sheriff's Office responded to around 1,000 animal rights activists who converged on the Ridglan Farms beagle breeding and research facility in the Town of Blue Mounds on Saturday. The activists, part of a group called Save the Dogs, were attempting to break into the facility, leading to a 'significant number of arrests' by law enforcement. The sheriff's office says it used tear gas and less-lethal munitions on protesters who were trying to breach the property and ignored verbal warnings.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and research facilities that use animals for testing. While the activists claim they are trying to rescue mistreated animals, the sheriff's office says their actions amounted to criminal trespassing and property damage. The response by law enforcement also raises questions about the appropriate use of force against non-violent protesters.

The details

According to the Dane County Sheriff's Office, around 20 law enforcement officers from across the county initially responded to the protest. The sheriff's office says hundreds of protesters were trying to break through barriers and fencing on the farm, while others blocked roadways leading to the area. A vehicle also drove recklessly through the property until it was stopped by police and the driver was arrested. The sheriff's office claims it first used tear gas on protesters who were trying to break into the facility and ignored verbal warnings, then used less-lethal 40mm munitions and pepper balls if they continued.

  • The protest was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 19, but was abruptly changed by organizer Wayne Hsiung to Saturday, April 18.
  • The Dane County Sheriff's Office responded to the protest at 8:52 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.

The players

Wayne Hsiung

The organizer of the protest, who was arrested by the sheriff's office based on probable cause for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Kalvin Barrett

The Dane County Sheriff, who stated that the law enforcement response was 'appropriate and proportionate to the behaviors observed' and that 'resorting to crime, chaos, and violence is not the solution'.

Ridglan Farms

A beagle breeding and research facility located in the Town of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, which has been the target of previous protests by animal rights activists.

Save the Dogs

The animal rights group that organized the protest and attempted break-in at Ridglan Farms.

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What they’re saying

“Only a deeply corrupt system will use tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful activists saving dogs. We are seeing the worst in humanity today. But, in the courage of the rescuers, also the best.”

— Wayne Hsiung, Protest Organizer

“I am in tears hearing these stories about what is unfolding at Ridglan Farms. This is the kind of bravery from ordinary people that changes the world. We cannot give up on the dogs. If we stay focused on this purpose, the repression will backfire.”

— Wayne Hsiung, Protest Organizer

“The DCSO response to the active break-in attempts by hundreds of protesters was appropriate and proportionate to the behaviors observed. With the assistance of our partner agencies, we were able to maintain order without anyone being seriously injured. We care about the welfare of all animals in our Dane County community. Resorting to crime, chaos, and violence is not the solution.”

— Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff

What’s next

The Dane County Sheriff's Office says it is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident and will provide updates as the case progresses. The organizer, Wayne Hsiung, remains in custody at the Dane County Jail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and research facilities, with both sides claiming to be acting in the best interests of the animals. While the activists believe they are rescuing mistreated animals, the sheriff's office views their actions as criminal trespassing and property damage. The response by law enforcement, including the use of tear gas and less-lethal munitions, also raises questions about the appropriate use of force against non-violent protesters.