Shut Down Ridglan Farms Now and Protect the Dogs Inside

Recent signers:
Linda Le and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

A disturbing incident at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin has brought renewed national attention to a controversial dog breeding facility that reportedly houses nearly 2,000 beagles.

On March 15, dozens of activists entered the facility and removed 23 dogs, while others were detained or arrested by law enforcement. The situation has sparked intense debate. But regardless of how people view the protest itself, one fact is clear: thousands of dogs remain inside the facility and their welfare must be addressed urgently.

Ridglan Farms has already agreed to shut down its breeding operation by July 1 as part of a settlement tied to potential animal cruelty charges. If the facility is scheduled to close within months, there is a critical question that must be answered now. What will happen to the dogs still inside?

These animals deserve a transparent, humane transition plan. Communities across Wisconsin and the country care deeply about the treatment of dogs. Many people believe the remaining animals should be protected and given a safe path forward, including relocation to reputable shelters, rescues, or adoption programs wherever possible.

We are calling on Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to take immediate action.

Local and state officials must ensure the remaining dogs at Ridglan Farms are protected while the facility prepares to close. Authorities should also work with animal welfare organizations to create a transparent and humane plan for the care and placement of these animals.

This issue should not be about politics or conflict. It should be about compassion and responsible oversight. When thousands of dogs are involved, the public deserves reassurance that their welfare is being taken seriously.

Wisconsin residents and people across the country are watching closely. The remaining dogs at Ridglan Farms cannot speak for themselves, but we can.

If you believe these animals deserve protection and a clear plan for their future, add your name today.

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Petition Advocates

29,548

Recent signers:
Linda Le and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

A disturbing incident at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin has brought renewed national attention to a controversial dog breeding facility that reportedly houses nearly 2,000 beagles.

On March 15, dozens of activists entered the facility and removed 23 dogs, while others were detained or arrested by law enforcement. The situation has sparked intense debate. But regardless of how people view the protest itself, one fact is clear: thousands of dogs remain inside the facility and their welfare must be addressed urgently.

Ridglan Farms has already agreed to shut down its breeding operation by July 1 as part of a settlement tied to potential animal cruelty charges. If the facility is scheduled to close within months, there is a critical question that must be answered now. What will happen to the dogs still inside?

These animals deserve a transparent, humane transition plan. Communities across Wisconsin and the country care deeply about the treatment of dogs. Many people believe the remaining animals should be protected and given a safe path forward, including relocation to reputable shelters, rescues, or adoption programs wherever possible.

We are calling on Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to take immediate action.

Local and state officials must ensure the remaining dogs at Ridglan Farms are protected while the facility prepares to close. Authorities should also work with animal welfare organizations to create a transparent and humane plan for the care and placement of these animals.

This issue should not be about politics or conflict. It should be about compassion and responsible oversight. When thousands of dogs are involved, the public deserves reassurance that their welfare is being taken seriously.

Wisconsin residents and people across the country are watching closely. The remaining dogs at Ridglan Farms cannot speak for themselves, but we can.

If you believe these animals deserve protection and a clear plan for their future, add your name today.

J
J
S
N
Petition Advocates
1,338 people signed today

29,548


The Decision Makers

Ismael Ozanne
Ismael Ozanne
Dane County District Attorney
Responded
I understand a case of this nature is important and I appreciate the time you took to write our office and express your thoughts and concerns. As of today, the Dane County District Attorney’s Office has not yet received a referral from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office in the matter you reference, I expect that may happen in the days ahead. In the meantime, please know I respect your First Amendment right and encourage you to continue to exercise this right in a peaceful and lawful manner. Thank you, Ismael R. Ozanne Dane County District Attorney Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.
Kalvin Barrett
Kalvin Barrett
Dane County Sheriff
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

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