Dogs at Ridglan Farms Have a Legal Right to be Free from Cruelty
MADISON, WI— January 30, 2026 — The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) and the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project (AALDP) filed a lawsuit today in Dane County Circuit Court on behalf of approximately 2,000 beagle dogs and puppies at Wisconsin-based puppy mill Ridglan Farms, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that the dogs are routinely subjected to mistreatment in violation of Wisconsin’s animal cruelty law and seeks immediate action from the court to protect the dogs from future abuse.
The lawsuit breaks new ground in the field of animal law. Although animal cruelty is illegal in every state, the laws often go unenforced by the government, even in cases of egregious cruelty. This case seeks recognition that protection from cruelty is a legal right belonging to animals themselves and that courts can act to prevent further harm.
“Wisconsin law gives these beagles a right to be free from cruelty,” said Christopher Berry, executive director of the NhRP. “Now it is time for the courts to recognize that the right is meaningful and not just words on paper.”
Ridglan, which breeds beagles to sell for use in research, has come under intense legal scrutiny for its treatment of the dogs in its custody. In January 2025, a Dane County Judge appointed a special prosecutor after finding probable cause that the facility violated anti-cruelty laws by failing to provide adequate space, sanitation, and ventilation. The special prosecutor found sufficient evidence to bring criminal animal cruelty charges against the breeder, but allowed Ridglan to avoid prosecution if it relinquished its state license to sell dogs by July 1, 2026. The agreement does not protect the dogs between now and July 1, and does not protect any dogs that Ridglan can keep without a state license. The NhRP’s case relies on common law habeas corpus, which offers protection from all manner of unlawful detention and has historically been used in the state to protect abused children. The lawsuit asks the court to grant emergency relief by appointing someone to oversee the dogs, provide necessary care, and recommend further actions to the court.
“Habeas corpus has always been a tool for confronting injustice. Applying it to protect severely abused beagles is an extension of that tradition—not a break from it,” said Justin Marceau, director of the AALDP and professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
A recent poll conducted by RABA Research shows that 94% of voters in Wisconsin believe dogs have a legal right to be free from cruelty; 86% support court intervention when animal cruelty laws are inadequately enforced. Best Friends Animal Society and One Tail at a Time are offering to immediately rescue dogs in this case.
“We urge accountability, transparency, and immediate action to ensure that the beagles at Ridglan are protected from further cruelty and removed from harmful conditions,” said Rebekah Robinson, president of Dane4Dogs.
“The law is meant to protect the most vulnerable, the most helpless, and the most voiceless from injustice. This lawsuit seeks to reinforce that the law is available for all beings present in Wisconsin,” said Kristin Schrank, Wisconsin attorney and animal advocate.
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About the Nonhuman Rights Project
The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only civil rights organization in the United States working through litigation, legislation, and education to secure fundamental rights for nonhuman animals. Learn more at www.nonhumanrights.org.
About the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project
The Animal Activist Legal Defense Project (AALDP) at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law works to empower and defend animal advocates through activist defense, affirmative litigation, and training law students to join and transform the field of Animal Law. Learn more at AALDP.com and follow us at @AALDP_DU on Twitter/X, Instagram, and @AALDP-DU on Bluesky.
About Dane4Dogs
Dane4Dogs is a grassroots organization in Dane County, Wisconsin. Our mission is to end the breeding, sale, and use of dogs and cats for painful and distressing experimentation. We support modern scientific alternatives to dog and cat experimentation. Visit www.dane4dogs.org for more information.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,500 shelters and rescue organizations. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also operate the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and make it accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. Learn more at www.bestfriends.org.
About One Tail at a Time
One Tail at a Time is a Chicago-based, 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue dedicated to ending pet homelessness through foster care, adoption, and specialized support for vulnerable animals. Founded in 2008, it rescues dogs, cats, and small pets, providing medical care, and, as of late 2025, has helped over 14,000 animals. For more information, visit www.onetail.org.