Ridglan Farms, Major Dog Breeder for Research, Closes After Decade of Activist Pressure
Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, formerly the second-largest breeder of dogs for research in the United States, has ceased operations. This closure follows nearly a decade of sustained pressure from animal rights activists. The facility was known for breeding dogs, including beagles, specifically for sale to research laboratories. Activists described the conditions at such facilities as 'factory farms for dogs,' where animals were confined in small wire cages, never experiencing natural environments. The closure of Ridglan Farms is being celebrated by activists as a significant victory in their broader campaign to end animal testing. The campaign against Ridglan Farms involved extensive activism, public awareness efforts, and negotiations with the facility's owners, ultimately leading to its shutdown and the rescue of approximately 1,500 beagles.