‘They know they’re safe’: beagles saved from US research facility after protests
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy have purchased 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin breeding and research facility, following protests and legal issues at the site.
- The first 300 dogs were removed and are being vaccinated, microchipped, and prepared for adoption, with over 700 applications already received; the organizations plan to rehome 1,000 dogs nationwide while caring for the rest.
- Ridglan Farms agreed to relinquish its state breeding license by July 1 as part of a deal to avoid felony animal mistreatment charges related to improper eye procedures on the dogs.
- In April, about 1,000 activists attempted to rescue the beagles, resulting in police using teargas and pepper spray to disperse them; 29 arrests were made, and several activists face felony charges.
- Activists have filed a federal lawsuit alleging excessive police force, while Ridglan Farms has described the protesters as a violent mob attacking a federally licensed research facility.
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