MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Around 25 protesters were arrested as approximately 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to enter Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, a facility breeding and researching beagles, only to be met by police deploying pepper spray and rubber bullets.
This protest marks the second such attempt in the past two months, with activists determined to rescue beagles from the farm located roughly 25 miles southwest of Madison. Previously, protesters faced barricades and an arrest of a key leader during their March attempt.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office reported that the atmosphere was much calmer on Sunday, noting the presence of about 200 individuals gathered peacefully for two hours. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett expressed appreciation for the demonstrators' cooperation, emphasizing the importance of lawful protest.
In contrast, the previous day's protest saw 300 to 400 demonstrators trying to breach multiple barricades, including a manure trench and a barbed-wire fence.
Despite some protesters managing to penetrate the perimeter, none gained access to the facility, which reportedly houses around 2,000 beagles amidst ongoing animal welfare controversies.
Wayne Hsiung, 44, the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, was among those arrested, facing a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary, while many others were booked and later released.
Hsiung issued a statement from jail criticizing the aggressive police response, asserting, No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog... They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse.”
Earlier in March, protesters managed to take 30 dogs from Ridglan Farms, leading to 27 arrests. The facility, while denying any allegations of animal mistreatment, agreed to relinquish its state breeding license as part of a settlement to avoid prosecution on animal cruelty charges.
On its website, Ridglan Farms maintains that no credible evidence of animal abuse or neglect has been validated against them.
