Around 25 Arrested in Clashes at Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility

Animal welfare activists tried to enter Ridglan Farms, met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal cage or wire mesh enclosure, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the contentious situation at the beagle breeding facility.A stark visual representation of the tensions surrounding animal welfare protests at a beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin.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 situation was 'significantly calmer and more peaceful' on Sunday when around 200 people assembled outside the farm and dispersed after around two hours.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare advocates and facilities that breed animals for research purposes. The clashes at Ridglan Farms raise questions about the use of force by law enforcement, the rights of protesters, and the treatment of animals in breeding facilities.

The details

On Saturday, around 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to enter the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, about 25 miles southwest of Madison. They were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets, and around 25 protesters were arrested. The group's leader, Wayne Hsiung of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, was being held on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. Most other arrestees were just booked and released. Ridglan Farms denies mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.

  • 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

Wayne Hsiung

The leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, who was being held on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary.

Ridglan Farms

A beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, that denies mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.

Dane County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the protests at Ridglan Farms, stating the situation was 'significantly calmer and more peaceful' on Sunday.

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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 will continue to monitor the situation at Ridglan Farms and work to ensure any future protests remain peaceful.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare advocates and facilities that breed animals for research purposes. It raises questions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement, the rights of protesters, and the treatment of animals in breeding facilities.