Ridgland Farm beagles recovered from breeding facility begin transition to shelters
BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- About 300 of the nearly 1,500 beagles being rescued from Ridglan farms have arrived at a farm in Dane County, with more expected throughout the week.
The beagles were transported from Ridglan Farms to Jenifer Koberstein’s property, where they were evaluated by a team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Koberstein volunteered her property to assist with the effort.
“It took people taking the law into their own hands to try and free these beagles for something to happen,” Koberstein said.
The Ridglan Farms beagles gained national attention when a group of animal advocates broke onto the property to try to recover the dogs. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy later reached an agreement with Ridglan Farms to recover 1,500 of the 2,000 dogs in its care.
“They knew something better was coming I think the trust was pretty instant and they got in their crates on the transport buses laid down and were totally quiet,” said Lauree Simmons, founder and president of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
All of the dogs currently at the Dane County farm will be moved to other locations by Sunday. Additional groups of dogs will then be brought in, and the process will continue until all 1,500 dogs are removed from Ridglan Farms. Volunteers and rescuers say they hope the effort sends a message to policymakers.
“Time to do better and lets all come together and as nation put pressure on our politicians to do the right thing for animals,” Koberstein said.
As the dogs are evaluated, they will be sent to shelters across the country, including in Wisconsin, where some will eventually be available for adoption.
The Dane County Humane Society will process 500 of the dogs. Of those, 150 will go to the Wisconsin Humane Society, which has locations in Milwaukee and across the state.
The organization is preparing by purchasing additional crates, puppy pads, toys and food.
The group is also seeking foster volunteers willing to take in the dogs. About 100 fosters have signed up so far. Those interested in fostering should be prepared for unique challenges.
“When dogs are housed in research facilities, they may never have worn a collar or a leash. House training will be new for them,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications for the Wisconsin Humane Society. “Simply walking in the grass and enjoying the sunshine. Couches blankets being held may be all new experiences for them. And it will take a lot of time and patience.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society expects to begin picking up some of the dogs Monday, May 11, with another group arriving the following day. Some of the dogs could be available for adoption as soon as the end of the week, depending on their condition.
As for the remaining 500 dogs in Ridgland's care, they will remain there. The rescues involved didn't go into details about what is next for those remaining dogs but said they working to try and recover them as well.
For more information about the beagles, you can visit Big Dog Ranch rescues website and the Dane County Humane Society. If you are interested in fostering through the Wisconsin Humane society, click here.