Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation The Hen Report: “This Is It” | Inside the Ridglan Beagle Rescue
In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann are joined by open rescue pioneer Adam Durand to discuss the dramatic March 15th Ridglan Rescue — a coordinated action in which 100 activists descended on a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility supplying dogs to medical research labs, ultimately freeing 22 dogs despite reinforced doors, an aggressively blocking vehicle, and on-site arrests. Adam shares what it was like inside, why the public response has been unlike anything the movement has seen before, and what comes next as organizers plan a follow-up action with a prospective 2,000 participants.
- The Ridglan Rescue: 100 activists used angle grinders and bolt cutters to breach a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility on March 15th, rescuing 22 dogs bound for use in medical research — a culmination of years of open rescue advocacy led by Wayne Hsiung, Alexandra Paul, Adam Durand, and others from the DxE network.
- Inside the facility: Adam describes conditions identical to factory farms — wire mesh cages, ammonia-saturated air, and near-total sensory deprivation — contradicting the assumption that medical research kennels meet higher welfare standards.
- Public support and media momentum: The rescue generated overwhelming mainstream support, with even law enforcement expressing conflict over the arrests, reflecting a cultural shift in how people view animals.
- Legal landscape: Ridglan faces court findings of illegal cruelty and has been ordered to exit the dog-supply business, but a deal with prosecutors has delayed and denied criminal accountability — the central grievance driving continued direct action.
- What’s next — April 19th, Madison, WI: Organizers are aiming to mobilize 2,000 people for a follow-up action at the Blue Mounds facility; participants can sign up at savethedogs.io and choose roles ranging from front-line rescue (with arrest risk) to public protest on open land.
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