Nearly 1,000 Ridglan Farms beagles to be transferred to rescue group
By Meredith Hackler
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DANE COUNTY, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Nearly 1,000 beagles at the controversial Ridglan Farms facility in Dane County will be released, according to an animal rescue based in Florida.
The controversial Ridglan Farms breeding facility has reportedly reached a confidential agreement with the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue, who will assist in transporting the dogs into their care.
The beagles will reportedly be placed with other rescue partners across the nation.
It comes after about 1,000 activists went to the Blue Mounds facility in an attempt to break in and rescue the dogs.
When this announcement was made, animal activist Wayne Hsiung who led the attempt was in court in Dane county. He is charged with felony burglary following the March 15th incident.
The case against him is moving forward. The judge found enough evidence presented by the state to continue. The state played several videos showing Hsiung and other activists going through a fence and on to the Ridgelan farms property. It also showed him taking a crowbar to one of the doors and others carrying several dogs out of the facility.
Originally Hsiung was banned from Dane County due to his actions, but in court on Wednesday the judge waived that ban. His lawyers argued that ban was unconstitutional, something the judge agreed with him due to protests that have taken place at the state capital. Hsiung says he doesn’t want the case to be dismissed and that he is looking forward to his day in court.
“This case demonstrates the profound failure of the legal system to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Because these dogs can’t file a lawsuit,” Hsiung said.
Around 20 of his supporters were inside and outside the court room with signs showing support to save the dogs, many clapped as he spoke to them.
“Wayne is a hero in all of our eyes,” supporter Calli Murphy said.
As for the 1,000 dogs set to be taken in by a rescue Mr. Hsiung didn’t have a comment on it as he was just learning the news himself as he got out of court. However, he did get emotional when he was asked.
“I just want to make sure I talk to everyone on our team to see what the facts are so we don’t screw anything up but if what I heard from you is true, I will be very happy,” Hsiung said with tears in his eyes.
Mr. Hsiung was arrested with several other activists. He isn’t allowed to speak with them as the court considers them his coconspirators. Lawyers for Hsiung attempted to get the judge to lift the no contact rule but the judge ruled against. Hsiung, a lawyer from California, says he plans on eventually representing himself in court which his lawyers argue would require him to be able to talk to the other activists that were arrested. The next time he is due in court is his arraignment. A date for that hearing has yet to set.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday where more information is set to be shared about the 1,000 dogs that are being taken in by a rescue.
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