Animal Rights Activists Storm Wisconsin Dog Breeding Facility

Dozens of activists broke into Ridglan Farms, taking 23 beagles before being stopped by authorities

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:21am

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Dozens of animal rights activists stormed Ridglan Farms, a controversial dog breeding facility west of Madison, Wisconsin, on Sunday morning. The self-described "rescuers" were able to take 23 beagles before being stopped by authorities. Approximately half of the activists were detained or arrested, and some could face criminal charges.

Why it matters

The break-in at Ridglan Farms highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and commercial dog breeding facilities. While the activists claim they were rescuing mistreated animals, the facility says the activists caused significant damage and committed serious crimes.

The details

The activists, led by attorney Wayne Hsiung, penetrated the Ridglan Farms perimeter shortly after 8 a.m. and tried to force their way into the breeding barns. After failing to breach multiple doors, they punched their way in through a window and grabbed beagles from their cages, attempting to carry them to freedom. The chaotic scene left a transport van disabled, but authorities were able to stop two other vehicles. The activists say they still have 23 Ridglan Farms beagles at an undisclosed rescue house.

  • The break-in occurred on Sunday morning, March 15, 2026.
  • Ridglan Farms has until July 1st to shut down its breeding operation to avoid facing animal cruelty charges, according to a settlement last fall.

The players

Ridglan Farms

A controversial dog breeding facility west of Madison, Wisconsin.

Wayne Hsiung

An attorney who led the team of activists that broke into Ridglan Farms.

Kalvin Barrett

The Dane County Sheriff who said authorities were able to stop two vehicles and recover all of the taken beagles.

Jim Newman

A Ridglan Farms spokesperson who said the activists caused substantial damage and committed serious crimes.

Bridget

A woman from Maryland who said she has never been arrested before and carried two of the dogs out of Ridglan Farms.

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What they’re saying

“Rescue teams have just arrived on site at Ridglan Farms, and we need to go there immediately to support them.”

— Paul Picklesimer, with Direct Action Everywhere

“There are still almost 2,000 dogs on site here and each one of those dogs' lives matter.”

— Emily Anderson, activist

“What they're doing is the real crime. How anybody could treat dogs, man's best friend, the way they are treating these dogs is beyond comprehension for me.”

— Bridget (FOX6 News)

What’s next

The Dane County sheriff said he will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday with an update on the activists who were detained or arrested.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between animal rights activists and commercial dog breeding facilities, with both sides accusing the other of criminal behavior. It raises questions about the appropriate balance between animal welfare and property rights, and whether more regulation or oversight is needed in the dog breeding industry.