Around 25 Protesters Arrested in Clash at Wisconsin Beagle Breeding Facility

Authorities say situation was 'significantly calmer' on second day of demonstrations

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:18am

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An extreme close-up of a single barbed wire strand, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tensions and confrontations between animal welfare activists and the facility.As tensions escalate over the treatment of animals at research facilities, a stark image of the barbed wire fences used to keep protesters out.Madison Today

Around 25 protesters were arrested as around 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin. The protesters were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets. The situation was 'significantly calmer and more peaceful' on the second day, when around 200 people assembled outside the farm and dispersed after about two hours.

Why it matters

The protests highlight ongoing tensions between animal welfare activists and facilities that breed animals for research purposes. The clashes raise questions about the use of force by authorities and the rights of protesters to try to 'rescue' animals they believe are being mistreated.

The details

On Saturday, protesters tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence to gain entry to the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. Some got through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept. The leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, Wayne Hsiung, was arrested 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 and made arrests.

Wayne Hsiung

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

Ridglan Farms

The beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, where the protests took place.

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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 and work to ensure the safety of all involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare activists and facilities that breed animals for research, as well as the challenges of balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public safety and prevent property damage.