Beagles bred for research get new life amid questions over federal oversight
Summary
The last 155 beagles bred for biomedical research at Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin have been moved to a rescue in Florida, completing the release of over 2,000 dogs from the facility this year. State investigations found hundreds of violations related to animal care at Ridglan, while federal inspections showed far fewer issues, raising questions about government oversight of such breeding facilities.Key Facts
- Ridglan Farms bred beagles for biomedical research and recently released its final 155 dogs to a Florida rescue.
- Over 2,000 dogs have been relocated from Ridglan this year.
- Wisconsin state investigators found 494 violations at Ridglan, some related to humane handling of dogs.
- A Wisconsin judge found probable cause for animal cruelty charges and appointed a special prosecutor.
- Ridglan settled by surrendering its state license to sell dogs and denies breaking any laws.
- Federal USDA inspections over the past decade found only six non-critical violations at Ridglan.
- The USDA inspector general has criticized federal oversight of dog breeders for decades, citing inconsistent inspections.
- Rescue groups, including Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida, helped facilitate the relocation of the dogs.
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