Hundreds of animal activists arrested in Wisconsin beagle facility protest

Police fired rubber bullets and pepper spray to turn back the crowd of about 1,000 protesters at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged beagle cage, the metal bars and wiring illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the confrontational nature of the protest at Ridglan Farms.The aftermath of a confrontation between police and protesters at a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility exposes the harsh realities of the ongoing battle over animal welfare.Madison Today

About 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to storm a beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin on Saturday, leading to a confrontation with police that resulted in a significant number of arrests. The protesters were trying to seize the estimated 2,000 beagles kept at the Ridglan Farms facility, which has been accused of animal abuse, but were ultimately unable to enter the property.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and facilities that breed animals for research purposes. Ridglan Farms has faced repeated allegations of mistreatment, leading to a deal to give up its state breeding license, but the activists' attempts to forcibly intervene have also raised concerns about the use of force by law enforcement.

The details

Police said the protesters were 'violently trying to break into the property' and assault officers. The activists tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence, with some getting through the fence but unable to enter the facility. Authorities arrested the group's leader and said a person who 'recklessly' drove a pickup through the front gate was also detained.

  • The protest occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • This was the second attempt in as many months by protesters to take beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility.

The players

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett

The sheriff who said the protesters were 'violently trying to break into the property' and that a 'significant' number of people were arrested.

Wayne Hsiung

The leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, who was arrested during the protest.

Ridglan Farms

The beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin that has been accused of animal abuse and agreed to give up its state breeding license.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a peaceful protest.”

— Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett

“I just feel defeated.”

— Julie Vrzeski, Activist

What’s next

The sheriff's department said charges are pending against those arrested, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

The confrontation at Ridglan Farms highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and research facilities, with both sides resorting to increasingly confrontational tactics. This raises questions about the appropriate balance between protecting animal welfare and respecting the rule of law.