An ambitious attempt to rescue thousands of lab beagle dogs from a US breeding facility used for scientific testing has been halted after a major confrontation between activists and law enforcement.
Campaigners had planned what they described as the largest ‘open rescue’ in animal welfare history, targeting Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, a site known for breeding dogs for scientific research.
The effort, which drew around 1,000 activists, followed an earlier break-in last month when more than 60 people entered the farm and removed 22 lab beagles, relocating them to rescue homes.
This time, however, authorities intervened before any animals could be taken. Protesters attempting to access the site were met with tear gas, rubber bullets and mass arrests as police moved to secure the property.
Wayne Hsiung, a lawyer and organiser of the protest against lab beagles, condemned the response, describing it as a disproportionate use of force against what he characterised as peaceful rescuers.
‘Only a deeply corrupt system will use tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful rescuers saving dogs,’ he said. ‘We are seeing the worst in humanity today. But, in the courage of the rescuers, also the best.’
Supporters involved in the demonstration reported injuries including broken noses, rubber bullet wounds and the effects of pepper spray. They also claimed that some protesters were struck by vehicles as tensions escalated.
Members of the Save the Dogs group said: ‘On Saturday, law enforcement personnel from multiple
agencies used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse over 1,000 concerned citizens – teachers,
doctors, nurses, students, families, Democrats, and Republicans – who came together out of concern for animal welfare.’
But they reported: ‘Broken noses, teeth knocked out, pepper spray sprayed directly into their eyes
under their glasses, rubber bullet wounds at close range, flashbang grenade concussions, and being
struck by ATVs.’
Law enforcement offered a different account. In a statement, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office said protesters had been warned not to trespass on private property and that some attempted to breach barriers and block roads, prompting a response.
‘Within minutes, an LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) broadcast a message to protestors
informing them that if they trespassed onto clearly marked private property, they would be subject to arrest.’ The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
‘As hundreds attempted to break through barriers and fencing on the farm, others blocked roadways to slow the response of law enforcement and other emergency personnel.
‘The group’s leader, Wayne Hsiung, was arrested within minutes of arriving at Ridglan Farms based on probable cause for conspiracy to commit burglary. He is currently being held in the Dane County Jail.
Renewed attention on lab beagle breeding
Despite the failed rescue, campaigners say the protest has drawn renewed attention to Ridglan Farms and the wider issue of lab beagles and animals bred for research. The facility has reportedly agreed to surrender its breeding licence by July as part of a deal to avoid animal cruelty charges.
The campaign has attracted high-profile backing, including from Ricky Gervais, who has long been outspoken on animal welfare.
‘Dogs are the most sensitive, loyal and loving companions any human could ever encounter,’ he said ahead of the planned rescue.
‘I’m appalled that beagles are bred for laboratory experiments. It’s time to release the dogs at Ridglan Farms, so they can live out their days surrounded by the love and freedom they so desperately need and deserve.’
Activists had also argued that under Wisconsin law, animals could be treated as ‘unclaimed’ if their owners are implicated in abuse, forming part of the legal basis for the attempted rescue.
