Pepper Spray, Rubber Bullets Fly as Activists Raid Beagle Research Facility

Published: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 1:41 am

Animal Rights Activists Clash with Police at Beagle Research Facility

Blue Mounds, Wisconsin – A tense confrontation unfolded Saturday as animal rights activists attempted to breach Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research facility. Police responded with pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse a crowd of approximately 1,000 protesters. This incident marks a significant escalation in a long-standing dispute over the facility, which houses nearly 2,000 beagles.

The raid, the second in just over a month, was organized by the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs. Activists, who had previously announced plans for a Sunday demonstration, launched their operation a day early. They encountered a fortified perimeter, including a manure-filled trench, hay bales, and a barbed-wire fence. While some protesters breached the fence, they were unable to enter the facility.

According to Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, a significant number of arrests were made, with 300 to 400 protesters described as "violently trying to break into the property." The leader of the Coalition, Wayne Hsiung, was also arrested.

The facility has been a target of animal rights activists for years. In March, activists successfully removed 30 dogs, with some later returned to Ridglan by police. The facility reached a settlement with state prosecutors last year, agreeing to surrender its state breeding license by July 1, but continues to operate under a federal research license. Ridglan states that its research focuses on developing treatments for canine diseases.

Ridglan maintains it has not mistreated animals, citing years of federal inspections and its own footage showing healthy animals. Activists, however, point to the settlement as evidence of mistreatment.

Following the failed raid, protesters shifted their demonstration to the Dane County jail.

BNN's Perspective: The situation at Ridglan Farms highlights the complex intersection of animal welfare concerns, scientific research, and the right to protest. While the activists' passion is understandable, the use of force and the potential for violence are concerning. A balanced approach that respects both animal welfare and the legal framework governing research is essential to finding a resolution.

Keywords: animal rights, beagles, Ridglan Farms, protest, police, rubber bullets, pepper spray, research facility, activists, arrests, animal welfare, Wisconsin

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