Wisconsin authorities put total arrests from clashes at beagle breeding facility at about 25

Around 25 people were arrested on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after approximately 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to enter Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. The protesters aimed to take beagles from the facility, but were met by law enforcement officers who used pepper spray and rubber bullets. This was the second protest in two months at the farm, which houses an estimated 2,000 beagles. On Sunday, a smaller and more peaceful group of around 200 people gathered outside the farm and dispersed after two hours. The Dane County Sheriff's Office expressed satisfaction with the protesters' cooperation and peaceful conduct on Sunday.

On Saturday in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, approximately 1,000 animal rights activists clashed with police while attempting to enter the Ridglan Farms beagle breeding and research facility. This was the second such attempt in two months. Police used rubber bullets and pepper spray to repel the protesters, who tried to breach barricades including a manure-filled trench and barbed wire. Authorities stated that protesters ignored designated protest areas and blocked emergency vehicle access, leading to numerous arrests, including the group's leader. The Dane County Sheriff described the protest as violent, alleging that protesters attempted to break into the property and assault officers. Ridglan Farms reportedly houses around 2,000 beagles.