Drop the Charges Against Ridglan Animal Rescuers

We call on the Dane County District Attorney to dismiss all charges related to the March 15 and April 18 incidents at Ridglan Farms.

Since these arrests, Ridglan Farms has begun releasing dogs to rescue organizations—the very outcome that prompted public concern in the first place.

Yet individuals involved in those events are now facing criminal prosecution and, in some cases, are barred from entering Dane County. This prevents them from participating in ongoing rescue efforts.

For many, including individuals who traveled specifically to assist in animal rescue work, the result is not only legal exposure—it is being pulled away from continued hands-on care and into prolonged court proceedings.

This raises a serious question of proportionality and public interest.

Continuing prosecution:

Diverts time and resources away from ongoing rescue efforts
Prevents individuals from participating in the outcome they helped initiate
Raises questions about whether continued legal action serves any clear public safety purpose
We recognize the importance of the law. But justice also requires discretion, especially when circumstances have materially changed.

We urge the Dane County District Attorney to:

Dismiss charges related to these incidents.
Reassess whether continued prosecution serves the public interest.
Allow individuals involved to return to lawful, constructive participation in animal rescue efforts.
Sign to support a fair and proportionate response. The dogs are being released—but the rescuers are still being prosecuted. That doesn’t make sense to us. If you agree, sign and share.