New Records Reveal Labs Nationwide Still Buying Dogs from Disgraced Wisconsin Breeder
Despite an ongoing court-ordered animal cruelty investigation, Ridglan Farms has shipped nearly 7,000 dogs to universities and private labs across 20 states in just three years.
Madison, WI — August 28, 2025 — Newly obtained government records (full set of records and lab photos here) reveal that research and testing facilities — including universities and private animal research labs — continue to buy beagles from Wisconsin’s Ridglan Farms, a mass breeder with repeated reports of dog abuse and neglect.
“The records are proof that we cannot wait any longer — policymakers must act swiftly to implement human-relevant science and ensure no dog is forced to suffer in a lab,” said Amy Van Aartsen, Co-founder at The Marty Project and researcher advancing non-animal methods (NAMs).
Ridglan’s operations have faced mounting scrutiny, with documented violations and public opposition in Wisconsin and beyond:
- Evidence shows beagles have endured invasive procedures — including the cutting of their vocal cords and eyes — performed without anesthesia and by non-veterinarians.
- Ridglan is currently under state investigation by a court-appointed special prosecutor for felony animal cruelty.
- Rise for Animals and The Marty Project filed a formal complaint with the USDA, alleging Ridglan may be misclassifying dogs to hide what’s happening inside its facility.
This comes even as public opinion overwhelmingly favors phasing out animal experimentation.
Evidence obtained by Rise for Animals and The Marty Project, through public records requests made to the state regulatory agency — Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection — give the public new verifiable information to follow the trail — from dog breeder to laboratory.
Between 2022-2025, Ridglan sold over 6,800 beagles to research labs in 20 states. Top buyer states include Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and New York.
“Ridglan’s not a rogue breeder,” said Ed Butler, Executive Director at Rise for Animals. “It’s part of a multi-billion dollar industry that relies on the torture of animals in labs.”
Rise for Animals and The Marty Project urge the public to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, which will finally revise FDA regulations to remove its animal research and testing requirement. It’s time to free animals from suffering while simultaneously advancing medicine and improving patient safety.
“There is no ethical way to cage, cut open, and kill a puppy,” said Ed Butler. “If science requires animal torture, it’s bad science.”
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MEDIA CONTACT
Amy Van Aartsen
Co-founder, The Marty Project
amy@themartyproject.org | +1 608-509-7178
themartyproject.org
Maren Vespia
Media Relations Lead, Rise for Animals
maren@riseforanimals.org|+1 503-908-3330
riseforanimals.org
MEDIA ASSETS: Records & lab photos HERE.
About The Marty Project:
The Marty Project works to establish public policy that promotes the replacement of dogs in human product safety testing with evidence-based scientific alternatives. themartyproject.org
About Rise for Animals:
Rise for Animals is a national animal rights organization fighting to end animal experimentation forever. riseforanimals.org