Around 25 Arrested in Clashes at Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility

Animal welfare activists tried to enter the Ridglan Farms facility, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:48am

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An extreme close-up of a twisted, damaged metal fence post against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A damaged fence post from the protests at the Ridglan Farms facility exposes the tensions between animal rights activists and the facility's operators.Madison Today

Authorities in Wisconsin say around 25 protesters were arrested as about 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds over the weekend. The protesters were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets, and some were able to breach the facility's perimeter but could not enter the building where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights groups and facilities that breed and use animals for research purposes. Ridglan Farms has faced previous allegations of animal mistreatment, leading to the facility agreeing to give up its state breeding license, though the company denies any wrongdoing.

The details

On Saturday, around 1,000 protesters tried to enter the Ridglan Farms facility, leading to clashes with law enforcement. The protesters attempted to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales, and a barbed-wire fence. Some were able to get through the fence but could not enter the facility itself. 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 and dispersed after about two hours.

  • On Saturday, around 1,000 protesters tried to gain entry to the Ridglan Farms facility.
  • On Sunday, around 200 people assembled outside the farm and dispersed after about two hours.

The players

Dane County Sheriff's Office

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

Ridglan Farms

A beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin that has faced allegations of animal mistreatment.

Wayne Hsiung

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

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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

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Wayne Hsiung, the protest leader, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and facilities that breed and use animals for research, with both sides claiming to be acting in the best interests of the animals. The case raises questions about the appropriate balance between property rights, public safety, and animal welfare.