More Beagles are preparing to leave Ridglan Farms as animal welfare organizations push forward with a historic rescue operation. The latest group of 135 dogs will bring the total number relocated from the Wisconsin facility to 1,635. Many of the animals are expected to soon begin the process of finding permanent homes.
135 more Ridglan Farms Beagles get second chance as rescue effort grows
The Center for Humane Economy said the 135 additional dogs will bring the total number of Beagles removed from the facility since last month to 1,635. The organization has been involved in coordinating the transfers alongside several rescue groups who have spent months pushing for the dogs’ release.
The newest group of Beagles will be split between two organizations. Big Dog Ranch Rescue, based in Florida, will take in 67 of the dogs. Meanwhile, the remaining animals will be transferred to the Beagle Freedom Project in Southern California. Both organizations are expected to oversee veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption efforts.
Demand for the rescued Beagles has been remarkably strong from the start. Shannon Keith, founder of the Beagle Freedom Project, said families across the country have expressed interest in adopting the dogs. “We just don’t have enough Beagles!” she stated, per ABC News.
The transfers are taking place as part of a settlement reached after a federal lawsuit was filed against Ridglan Farms in April. Animal rights groups accused the company of abusing Beagles bred for research purposes. Furthermore, they called for action to remove the dogs from the facility. That said, Ridglan Farms has denied the allegations.
Despite those disagreements, negotiations between the parties ultimately resulted in an agreement that allows rescue organizations to acquire the dogs. Under the settlement, Ridglan Farms agreed to sell the Beagles to the rescue groups for an undisclosed amount. What’s more, the facility is expected to give up its breeding license.
As of now, it is unclear how many Beagles are yet housed at Ridglan Farms. Still, with adoption applications continuing to pour in, advocates say they are committed to helping as many of them as possible find loving homes.
