For years, Ridglan Farms has subjected thousands of dogs to conditions of fear, deprivation, and physical suffering — a clear violation of both law and conscience. Wisconsin officials have the power — and the duty — to enforce the law.

For almost nine years, Wisconsin authorities have known about the cruelty at Ridglan Farms, a large-scale dog-breeding facility in Dane County that sells dogs to research laboratories. Since 2016, inspectors and eyewitnesses have documented the same horrifying conditions: dogs spinning in circles, pacing in distress, and chewing their own limbs — unmistakable signs of psychological collapse.

Ridglan confines an estimated 3,000–4,000 beagles and hounds in 2×4-foot wire cages with roughly 25 employees — a ratio that guarantees neglect. These dogs never walk, never play, and never see sunlight. Most receive only minutes of human contact each week and spend their entire lives standing on painful wire floors that cause open sores, breathing air thick with ammonia and waste.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has documented over 300 violations of Wisconsin Administrative Code, including failures to provide humane handling, adequate exercise, and behavioral enrichment under Wis. Admin. Code §§ ATCP 16.20(2)(a)–(b). State inspectors found untreated infections, dead dogs housed beside living ones, and unqualified staff performing surgeries without anesthesia.

Ridglan’s supervising veterinarian has already had his license suspended for delegating invasive procedures to untrained workers. A Dane County judge has found probable cause for cruelty under Wis. Stat. §§ 951.02 (Mistreating animals) and 951.14 (Providing proper shelter). Despite nearly a decade of oversight, Ridglan Farms has chosen not to change. This is not negligence; it is defiance.

Under Wis. Stat. § 173.41(4)(a), DATCP has clear authority to revoke any commercial dog-breeder’s license when the licensee has violated or failed to obey applicable law, order, or regulation — or is unfit to operate. Once that license is revoked, law enforcement may initiate humane custody of the surviving dogs through authorized seizure and placement procedures, ensuring their immediate safety and care. The legal standard for revocation has already been met.

On October 23, 2025, the Dane County Board of Supervisors voted overwhelmingly to pass Resolution 119, urging DATCP to revoke Ridglan Farms’ license and coordinate humane custody of all surviving dogs through qualified rescue organizations. The resolution affirms that dogs are sentient beings deserving care, respect, and ethical treatment, and calls on state agencies to uphold Wisconsin’s humane statutes without further delay.

Nine years of evidence. Hundreds of violations. A suspended veterinarian. A court finding of probable cause.
And still — no enforcement.
That is not caution. It is complicity.

We, the undersigned, call on Wisconsin’s leadership to immediately:

1. Enforce Wisconsin’s existing animal-cruelty laws under Chapter 951.

2. Direct and support DATCP’s revocation of Ridglan Farms’ commercial dog-breeder license under Wis. Stat. § 173.41(4)(a).

3. Ensure humane custody and rehabilitation of the surviving dogs through qualified rescue organizations.

4. Disclose publicly any conflicts of interest, political pressure, or interference delaying enforcement

Dogs are not commodities or research instruments; they are sentient companions who, by their inherent nature, love, trust, and protect us.

To confine them in cages, deny them touch, sunlight, and freedom is not science; it is betrayal.
It violates both moral law and the very principles on which Wisconsin’s humane statutes are based: compassion, justice, and respect for life.

As Jane Goodall reminded us, dogs and other animals “have minds and feelings and emotions just like us.”

Immanuel Kant warned that treating any being merely as a means to an end corrupts the humanity of those who allow it.

Albert Schweitzer called this principle Reverence for Life — the foundation of ethical civilization.

And Mahatma Gandhi taught that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

These are not abstract ideals. They reflect the moral foundation already embedded in Wisconsin’s laws.
Compassion and justice are written into the statute. They now must be enforced.

Ridglan Farms has had nearly a decade to correct its abuses. It has not.

The law is clear, the evidence overwhelming, and the moral duty unmistakable.

By signing this petition, you call on Wisconsin’s leaders to do what both law and conscience demand:

Revoke Ridglan Farms’ breeding license. Enforce Wisconsin’s humane laws. Protect the dogs who cannot protect themselves.

Every signature adds pressure to those in power and strengthens the call for justice.
Please sign and share this petition today.

The dogs have waited long enough.

 
**Note from the Petition Author:
I am an independent citizen advocate acting in a personal capacity, unaffiliated with any organization. This petition is being shared solely to support the full enforcement of Wisconsin's humane laws and to ensure lasting protection for the dogs at Ridglan Farms.

Instead of donating to promote this petition on Change.org, please share it and reach out directly to those in Wisconsin who have the authority, and obligation, to act:

DATCP (Division of Animal Health) Phone: (608) 224-4872  | Email: datcpanimals@wisconsin.gov

Randy Romanski, Secretary – DATCP| Phone: (608) 224-5012 | Emails: randy.romanski1@wisconsin.gov | sec-datcp@wisconsin.gov

La Crosse County District Attorney, Tim Gruenke, the special prosecutor reviewing the Ridglan case. – Phone: (608) 785-9604 | Email: tim.gruenke@da.wi.gov

Asst. City Attorney Marci A. Kurtz – Phone: (608) 266-4511 | Email: attorney@cityofmadison.com

WI Department of Justice (Attorney General Josh Kaul) – Phone: (608) 266-1221 | Email: dojcommunications@doj.state.wi.us

City Attorney of Madison Michael Haas – Phone: (608) 266-4511 | Email: cityattorney@cityofmadison.com

Governor Tony Evers – Phone: (608) 266-1212 | Email: governor@wisconsin.gov

WI Veterinary Examining Board – Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov | Phone: (608) 266-2112

For updates and ways to help, visit The Marty Project on Facebook, a Wisconsin rescue and advocacy group coordinating humane rescue and placement efforts for the dogs at Ridglan Farms.