Around 25 Arrested as Protesters Clash with Police at Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility

Authorities say the situation was 'significantly calmer and more peaceful' on the second day of demonstrations.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rusted metal fence post against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical and symbolic barriers between protesters and the beagle breeding facility.A stark, gritty image of the physical barriers that separated protesters from the beagle breeding facility, reflecting the tense confrontation between activists and law enforcement.Madison Today

Authorities say around 25 protesters were arrested as about 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin. The protest on Saturday was the second attempt in as many months by demonstrators to take beagles from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, about 25 miles southwest of Madison. The Dane County Sheriff's Office said the situation was 'significantly calmer and more peaceful' on Sunday, when around 200 people assembled outside the farm.

Why it matters

The clash between protesters and law enforcement highlights the ongoing tensions over animal welfare issues, particularly at facilities that breed animals for research purposes. The protests at Ridglan Farms have drawn national attention to the debate over the treatment of beagles and other animals in the breeding and research industry.

The details

On Saturday, protesters tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales, and a barbed-wire fence. Some got through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept. Those arrested included the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, Wayne Hsiung, who was being held on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. Most other arrestees were just booked and released.

  • The protest on Saturday was the second attempt in as many months by demonstrators to take beagles from Ridglan Farms.
  • On Sunday, around 200 people assembled outside the farm and dispersed after around two hours.

The players

Dane County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the protests at Ridglan Farms.

Wayne Hsiung

The 44-year-old leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, who was arrested and charged with a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary.

Ridglan Farms

The beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin that has been the target of protests by animal welfare activists.

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What they’re saying

“No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort. The animals of this Earth are not 'things.' They're sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse.”

— Wayne Hsiung, Leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs

“We're pleased with the group's cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms. We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”

— Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff

What’s next

The Dane County Sheriff's Office said it will continue to monitor the situation at Ridglan Farms and work to facilitate lawful protests while maintaining public safety.

The takeaway

The clash between protesters and law enforcement at Ridglan Farms underscores the ongoing debate over animal welfare and the treatment of beagles and other animals in the breeding and research industry. While authorities aim to support lawful protest, the use of force and arrests highlights the tensions surrounding these issues.