More than 1,000 beagles bred for scientific experimentation for decades have arrived in South Florida in search of a home following an agreement that ended years of controversy surrounding Ridglan Farms, a facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, that operated for over 60 years as a breeder for laboratories.
The first animals arrived by bus over the weekend at the facilities of Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County.
The organization, along with the Center for a Humane Economy, negotiated a confidential agreement to purchase the 1,500 dogs from Ridglan Farms for an undisclosed price.
The dogs reacted immediately to freedom
"After about an hour or so, they started to approach us, seeking attention. Some jumped onto people's laps. Each and every one of them is incredibly affectionate," said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
"I'm sure you know that you are safe," she added.
The first 300 dogs left Ridglan last Friday, and more are expected to be removed throughout this week.
Evan Nader, Vice President of Development at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, described the operation as historic.
"We are the largest refuge without cages and without sacrifice in America. But I believe that this rescue mission is probably one of the most special, one of the greatest in the history of the United States," Nader said.
A long process before adoption
The organization has received more than 700 adoption applications, but the dogs will not be available right away: the estimated timeline is two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, the animals are being vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized in a preparation area in Wisconsin before being transferred to shelters across the country.
Simmons warned that many of the beagles have never lived in a domestic environment. "These dogs need to learn to walk on a leash. They must learn to live in a home setting and should have been neutered," he explained.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue works with partners across the country to find homes for 1,000 of the dogs, while the Center for a Humane Economy will take care of the rest.
Years of protests and a legal agreement
The rescue is the outcome of years of pressure on Ridglan Farms. In October 2025, the company agreed to relinquish its state breeding license effective July 1, 2026 to avoid being prosecuted for serious animal abuse charges.
A special prosecutor determined that the facility was conducting ocular procedures that violated state veterinary regulations, although the company has denied mistreating the animals.
In March 2026, activists broke into the facilities and took away 30 dogs, resulting in 63 people being referred to the district attorney.
On April 18, around 1,000 activists attempted to enter en masse; the police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, detaining 29 people, five of whom are facing serious charges for breaking and entering.
Simmons clarified that his organization was not linked to the protests, although he acknowledged their impact.
"What they did was spread the message. What we did, we wanted to do it legally and in the best possible way, in order to ensure the best future for these dogs," he stated.
Why beagles are the most commonly used dogs in laboratories
Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed in animal experimentation in the United States, mainly due to their manageable size and gentle temperament.
"Beagles are very trusting, gentle, calm, and forgiving, which is why they are the most chosen for experimentation. So, are we going to take one of the sweetest, kindest, and most trusting breeds to mistreat them? This is wrong. This must end," Simmons stated.
This case is reminiscent of the rescue of around 4,000 beagles in Virginia in 2022, when the U.S. Department of Justice sued Envigo RMS LLC for animal abuse and a judge ordered the release of the animals, which was considered the largest rescue of laboratory animals in the country's history until now.
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