In brief
In a significant protest in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, approximately 1,000 animal rights activists attempted to enter Ridglan Farms, a facility housing around 2,000 beagles for research. The protest resulted in 25 arrests, including the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs. Local law enforcement used pepper spray and rubber bullets to control the crowd, prompting allegations of excessive force. While some activists managed to breach the fence, they could not enter the facility, which has faced accusations of animal mistreatment.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Around 25 protesters were arrested as around 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin and were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets, authorities said Sunday.
Saturday’s protest was the second attempt in as many months by demonstrators to take beagles from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, about 25 miles southwest of the capital, Madison. They were turned back by officers who arrested the group’s leader.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said the situation was “significantly calmer and more peaceful” on Sunday, when around 200 people assembled outside the farm, dispersing after about two hours.
“We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. “We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”
The sheriff had reported that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property,” attempting to overcome barricades made up of hay bales and barbed-wire fences.
Some protesters breached the fencing but could not enter the facility, which reportedly houses about 2,000 beagles, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Those arrested included Wayne Hsiung, 44, leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, who faces a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. Most detainees were later booked and released, the sheriff’s office reported.
“No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort,” Hsiung contended in a statement from jail, decrying the use of force by authorities. “The animals of this Earth are not 'things.' They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse,” he added.
This protest follows a similar incident in March when activists succeeded in taking 30 dogs from the facility, resulting in 27 arrests. Ridglan Farms has consistently denied allegations of animal mistreatment but has agreed to relinquish its state breeding license starting July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges. The facility maintains that no credible evidence of abuse has been substantiated.
