Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Police Repel Mass Breach Attempt at Wisconsin Beagle Facility, Arrest Protest Leader

The showdown reflects mounting pressure ahead of a court-ordered July 1 surrender of the facility’s state breeding license.

Overview

  • Dane County deputies, who responded Saturday morning, used tear gas, pepper spray and other less-lethal rounds to stop activists trying to cut fencing and force entry at Ridglan Farms.
  • Authorities put arrests at about 25 and say organizer Wayne Hsiung was booked on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary.
  • Roughly 1,000 people converged as 300 to 400 attempted to breach barriers, and deputies said they recovered saws, fence cutters and sledgehammers while making arrests; no dogs were taken.
  • Deputies and Ridglan reported a separate arrest after a pickup truck drove through the front gate, and officials said no serious injuries were reported.
  • About 200 activists returned Sunday for a peaceful vigil and rally, as attention shifts to investigations, possible charges from the March raid that removed about 30 dogs, and the July 1 license deadline for the beagle breeder that supplies research labs.