Hundreds of beagle dogs were rescued from a research laboratory in Wisconsin and moved to Florida as part of an operation considered one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

The Big Dog Ranch Rescue organization received 300 dogs from the Ridglan Farms facility, a center dedicated to breeding dogs for veterinary testing and medical studies, according to the Sun Sentinel.

The transfer occurred amid growing questions about the conditions in which the animals were kept. In 2025, a judge determined that there was probable cause e of abuse after detection of around 300 alleged violations of animal welfare rules, including untreated injuries and surgical procedures without anesthesia.

Agreement for the rescue of more than 1,000 dogs

The operation is part of an agreement reached between the laboratory and animal protection organizations, among them the Center for a Humane Economy, which includes the rescue of more than 1,000 beagles in total.

As planned,another 700 dogs will be moved to Florida soon, while the remaining will be rehomed through other collaborating organizations.

Wayne Pacelle, president of the center, called the initiative “one of the largest transfers” of laboratory animals recorded to date.

The case generated a strong reaction from animal rights activists. In March, a group entered the facilities and removed 22 dogs, although some were later recovered by the authorities. Weeks later, demonstrations in front of the laboratory led to confrontations and arrests.

Despite the accusations, Ridglan Farms publicly defended its practices, assuring that the animals were “healthy and well cared for,” according to official documentation from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Rehabilitation and adoption process

The rescued dogs will be sterilized, vaccinated, and undergo medical evaluations before being put up for adoption. The organizations involved indicated that the recovery process will be progressive, given the state in which some animals were found.

According to the Beagle Freedom Project, beagles are commonly used in research due to their docile and sociable nature, characteristics that also make them highly valued pets.