Wonderful news has arrived from Wisconsin, United States: Ridglan Farms, one of the country’s largest breeders of beagles destined for animal experimentation, has permanently ceased operations.
On 12 August, the last 155 dogs still being held at the Blue Mounds facility—14 adults and 141 puppies, many of them only three or four months old—finally passed through its gates. Before being entrusted to the organisations responsible for their rehabilitation and adoption, the beagles underwent veterinary examinations and, for many of them, experienced grass and the outdoors for the first time.
With this final transfer, more than 2,100 dogs have been removed from the facility and saved from animal testing since May. The rescue operations were coordinated by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, with the support of numerous animal protection organisations and shelters across the United States.
A delicate journey now begins for these animals. Many of them will have to discover an entirely new reality made up of open spaces, individual care, positive interactions with people and, hopefully, a loving family. The organisations involved will provide veterinary care, spaying and neutering, behavioural rehabilitation and responsible adoption pathways.
The result of years of mobilisation
Operating for more than 60 years, Ridglan Farms bred beagles for biomedical research and also carried out animal testing at its facility. For years, it had been at the centre of investigations, complaints and campaigns led by animal protection organisations.
Testimonies and investigations raised serious concerns about the conditions in which the dogs were kept and about invasive procedures allegedly performed by unqualified staff without adequate pain relief. Following a lengthy legal and administrative process, the company agreed to surrender its commercial dog breeding and selling licence by 1 July 2026.
The permanent closure of the facility and the removal of all the remaining animals are the result of years of mobilisation by organisations, activists, experts, whistleblowers and concerned citizens who continued to demand justice and a different future for these dogs.
An important victory, but the fight must continue
The closure of Ridglan Farms represents a significant milestone and demonstrates how the joint efforts of civil society can lead to concrete change. Nevertheless, thousands of dogs and other animals continue to be bred and used in laboratories around the world every year.
OIPA ETS has always stood firmly against vivisection and all forms of experimentation that cause animals suffering, fear and death. The organisation therefore welcomes this historic victory and reiterates the urgent need to accelerate the transition towards innovative, reliable and animal-free research methods.
“The closure of Ridglan Farms is a historic victory and sends a powerful message: facilities that breed and use animals for experimentation do not represent the future of scientific research. OIPA ETS has always fought against vivisection and will continue to promote ethical, advanced and animal-free methods. Every beagle rescued reminds us that animals are sentient individuals, not laboratory instruments, and that science must progress without inflicting suffering on them,” said Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA ETS.
Scientific progress cannot be separated from ethical progress. Investing in advanced technologies and human-relevant research models means protecting animals while promoting science that is increasingly effective, responsible and relevant to human health.
For the more than 2,100 beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms, a new life can finally begin. They are no longer numbers or instruments destined for a laboratory, but sentient individuals with the right to experience freedom, safety, respect and the love of a family.
