Animal rights activists are preparing to attempt a controversial raid at a beagle breeding facility, breaking in and taking thousands of dogs they say are being abused. The operation won't be in the dead of night, but in the broad daylight, and is being planned out in the open for all to see.
The planned April 19 mission at Ridglan Farms comes after a much smaller action in March that prompted the Wisconsin facility to ramp up its security measures: Wire fencing, hay bales and trenches now line the property, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.
In March, dozens of activists entered the property and took 23 dogs, resulting in 27 people being arrested. They haven't yet been formally charged, according to the local district attorney. Ridglan Farms, which has been embroiled in years of accusations it denies, has agreed to stop breeding dogs for outside sale by this summer to avoid prosecution, but the activists say dogs are suffering in the meantime.
This time around, organizers have posted full details online, including timing, team structures and a public signup form that has drawn over 1,700 people planning to participate in an operation they say will be strictly nonviolent. Ridglan Farms said the action could cause millions in damage.
