MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County Humane Society will help place 500 dogs from embattled beagle breeder and research facility Ridglan Farms.

Ridglan Farms, based in the Town of Blue Mounds, said Wednesday it would transfer ownership of 1,500 of its dogs to the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

The transfer is the latest chapter in a saga that saw protests, lawsuits, break-ins and arrests at Ridglan Farms’ facility.

In a statement, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett commended the rescue groups and Ridglan Farms for coming to a peaceful solution. 

““We are overjoyed to see these 1,500 beagles heading to loving homes and a far better life.” “We deeply care about the welfare of every animal in our Dane County community.” “The collaboration, cooperation, and communication between the facility and rescue organizations perfectly match our Dane County values.”

Barrett also criticized the action of other activists. “It’s unfortunate that what could have been a large peaceful demonstration instead eroded to a coordinated incident that challenged our ability to maintain a peaceful community to live, work, and visit.”

A DCHS spokesperson said the organization will work with its partners to place 500 of the 1,500 dogs, though the exact number of dogs coming to DCHS is still being figured out.

Staff and volunteers will spend the next several weeks taking the dogs from Ridglan Farms to the Dane County Humane Society for veterinary exams, medical care and vaccinations. DCHS will then facilitate the dogs’ transfer to other shelters and rescues.

“Individuals and organizations across Wisconsin and beyond have stepped up to make sure these dogs get the chance they deserve, and now our community has the opportunity to carry that forward,” DCHS Director of Development and Marketing Amy Good said. “As these beagles begin their next chapter, we’ll need continued support to help them adjust, heal, and thrive.”

DCHS has set up a way to donate to support the beagles at the link here. While the Ridglan Farms dogs aren’t yet available for public viewing, DCHS has created an interest form for potential adopters and fosters. The organization will also hare updates on the dogs on its website and social media channels.

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