Protesters Clash with Police Over Beagles in Wisconsin

Sun Apr 19 2026 23:39:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a tense showdown, approximately 25 animal welfare activists were arrested during a demonstration at a beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin, as protesters attempted to rescue the dogs while facing police intervention.

Around 1,000 animal rights activists gathered outside Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, to protest against alleged mistreatment of beagles. The protest turned violent with 25 arrests, as law enforcement responded with pepper spray and rubber bullets. The situation was calmer on the second day, with a smaller group protesting peacefully. Authorities claim the facility is not abusing animals, while the activists continue to assert that rescue efforts are necessary.

MADISON, Wis. (RTW News) — Tensions escalated over the weekend as around 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to breach the Ridglan Farms beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement. Authorities reported that approximately 25 protesters were arrested following an incident where police were forced to deploy pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

This protest marks the second instance in just two months during which activists have sought to gain access to the facility, located roughly 25 miles southwest of Madison. During the earlier protest, activists successfully stole 30 dogs, leading to the arrest of 27 individuals. This time, however, the protest was significantly larger.

According to local police, the first day of protests saw chaos and a concerted effort by demonstrators to break down barriers, which included barricades and a filled trench. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office reported that although the initial encounter was turbulent, the situation was described as significantly calmer and more peaceful on Sunday when a smaller group of around 200 gathered at the site.

“We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful while still sending their message regarding the dogs in Ridglan Farms,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett stated, emphasizing the importance of lawful protest.

Despite the apparent escalation, Wayne Hsiung, the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, was among those arrested and now faces a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. From jail, Hsiung claimed that authorities used excessive force and reiterated the activists' stance that animals are sentient beings deserving of rescue from abuse.

While Ridglan Farms has consistently denied allegations of animal mistreatment, the facility announced an agreement in October to relinquish its breeding license to avoid potential prosecutions related to animal welfare violations. Despite their claims of no evidence supporting abuse, the protestors remain unyielding in their fight for the dogs they believe are suffering.