As many as 1,500 beagles bred for research at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, could soon be moved into rescue care under a new agreement that follows years of pressure from animal welfare advocates.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy reached a confidential deal with Ridglan Farms to purchase many of the dogs, Associated Press reports. The facility has housed roughly 2,000 beagles, leaving questions about the dogs not included in the agreement.

A First Step Toward Homes

The dogs are expected to be transported from Ridglan to partner agencies and rescue facilities, where they will receive medical exams, microchips, and vaccinations before adoption assessments begin, according to the AP.

Spectrum News 1 reports that Big Dog Ranch Rescue said the beagles will be moved into its team’s care for medical screening, then placed with rescue partners across the United States.

For many of these dogs, that transition may require more than a vet check. Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons told the AP that the dogs will need help learning how to walk on a leash, live in homes, and adjust to daily care outside a research setting.

Years Of Pressure Led To This Moment

Ridglan Farms has bred beagles for scientific research for more than 60 years. The company has denied mistreatment, but it agreed to surrender its state breeding license as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges, Wisconsin Public Radio reports.

The fight over the dogs escalated in March and April 2026. Activists broke into the facility and removed dogs, while a later action brought about 1,000 protesters to Ridglan Farms. Police used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets during the April protest, and 29 people were arrested.

FOX6 Milwaukee reports that law enforcement from 17 agencies protected the property during the April protest and that felony charges followed for some activists involved in the attempted breach.

Concerns Remain For The Dogs Left Behind

The agreement is being welcomed by advocates as a major shift, but it does not fully settle the fate of every dog at Ridglan. FOX6 Milwaukee reports that roughly 500 dogs may not be covered by the deal, and their future remains unclear.

According to World Animal News, rescue operations are expected to involve assessment, transport, foster placement, and rehabilitation networks as groups work to move dogs out safely.

The next phase will determine how quickly the beagles can leave the facility, how many rescue partners can take them, and whether every remaining dog will be given the same chance. For the beagles included in the agreement, the path now points away from cages and toward homes built for care, not research.