Activists Push for Investigation into Alleged Animal Cruelty at Major Research Dog Breeder

A recent Wisconsin court hearing has brought allegations of animal cruelty at Ridglan Farms, one of the largest dog breeders for research in the U.S., into the spotlight. Animal activists and legal advocates are pushing for a special prosecutor to investigate the facility located in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. The claims, backed by video evidence shown in court, describe troubling conditions at the 3,200-beagle facility, where dogs are reportedly confined to small, bare cages, deprived of outdoor access, and often exhibit signs of severe psychological distress.

Testimonies provided at the Dane County Circuit Court detailed dogs suffering from foot injuries due to wire flooring and a lack of adequate medical care. With only one employee for every 180 dogs, whistleblowers and witnesses claimed that many health issues go unaddressed. Former employee Scott Gilbertson described frequent dog fights and untrained staff performing painful “cherry eye” surgeries without anesthesia, leaving dogs in considerable discomfort. A second whistleblower, Matthew Reich, recounted seeing untreated wounds and procedures that removed vocal cords without any pain relief. “It’s been almost 20 years now since I took the job. It still haunts me every day,” Reich stated.

Despite these allegations, Ridglan Farms did not provide a comment, although a company employee previously defended the facility’s caretakers as “diligent and caring” in a response to state inspectors in June. Animal welfare advocates argue, however, that this statement does not align with the reports from state inspections, which documented unsanitary conditions and untreated wounds on some dogs. The activists contend that Wisconsin’s laws, which allow citizens to petition for a special prosecutor, make it feasible for a formal investigation to proceed if a judge deems the allegations credible.

The breeding and use of beagles for research has drawn public criticism, especially after the 2022 closure of a similar facility, Envigo, in Virginia due to documented mistreatment of animals. The fate of Ridglan Farms now lies with Judge Rhonda Lanford, who has given the petitioners until early November to present their summaries. Should the judge decide to move forward with the case, Ridglan could face potential legal consequences.

Please sign this petition to Demand Accountability for Man Who Put Four Puppies in a Trash Can!

Related Content:

• Animal Testing Company to Pay $35 Million in Historic Resolution After Rescue of 4,000 Beagles
• Seven Beagles Rescued From Cruel Research Facility Where They Were Unable to See the Sun or Walk on Grass
• Rescue Throws First Birthday Party for Rescued Research Beagles
• Over 400 Beagles Won’t Be Euthanized For Research at Cruel Breeding Facility Because They Were Rescued!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!