Local and national partners collaborate on rescue and placement for 1,500 beagles
MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) will be picking up 150 beagles in the coming days from Ridglan Farms in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, as part of a national effort to rescue and rehome 1,500 dogs.
Ridglan Farms is a large-scale commercial breeder that breeds and sells beagles for use in research, as well as conducts their own research. The scale of their operations is significant, involving thousands of dogs at a time.
“It has been such a powerful experience to be a small part of the journey for these animals and an even greater privilege to be a part of the team who made it happen,” said Alison Fotsch, president and CEO of WHS.
This endeavor is being led by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy and other partners including the Dane County Humane Society, Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, and other Wisconsin animal welfare groups.
WHS is asking for the public’s help in taking in such a large influx of dogs.
“We are in high need of new foster homes, for both the beagles and other dogs currently in care, as well as supplies like soft dog treats, dog toys, and Kongs,” said Fotsch. “Foster homes are absolutely critical to ensuring we can accommodate this special group.”
The beagles being cared for by the Wisconsin Humane Society will be available for adoption once they are cleared medically and behaviorally. Like all dogs in adoption, they will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated prior to adoption. Those interested in adoption should review the adoption process at www.wihumane.org/adopt in the coming days and weeks. WHS says it’s important for potential adopters to understand that the dogs were born and lived in confined conditions and likely had little socialization with humans. They may take weeks, months, or even longer to adjust to a typical home environment.
Those interested in making a donation to help support their care can do so at: wihumane.me/Beagles2026. Community support makes it possible for WHS to help large-scale rescues like this, especially where such dogs often need medical and behavioral intervention to support their unique needs. WHS does not receive general government funding, and local support is critical to fulfilling their mission of making a difference for animals and the people who love them.
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About the Wisconsin Humane Society
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 65,000 animals and the people who love them. The WHS mission is to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit, receives no general government funding and there is no national umbrella group in animal welfare. WHS operates shelters in Door, Brown, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers public veterinary services, rehoming services, stray animal holding, adoption programming, youth programs, pet food pantries, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.
