Ridglan Farms
Closing July 2026Blue Mounds, Dane County, Wisconsin — USDA Class A Breeder + Class R Research Facility
~3,200 dogs16 employeesOperating since 1960s311 DATCP violations$55K fine
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Enforcement actions, violations, and the settlement.
311
DATCP violations
Sep 2025
$55,148
proposed fine
civil forfeiture
Jul 2026
license surrender
settlement deadline
84
dogs retained
for internal research
Potential Criminal Charges (from Post-Hearing Brief)
Critical§ 951.02 (Felony)
Mistreating Animals — Mutilation
Cherry eye and devocalization surgeries by non-vets without anesthesia, resulting in mutilation/disfigurement. Class I felony. All 4 statutory elements met per expert testimony.
High§ 951.02 (Misdemeanor)
Mistreating Animals — Wire Flooring
Wire mesh flooring systematically causing foot injuries. Ridglan made aware through inspections in 2016, 2022, 2023, 2024 but never fixed. Class A misdemeanor.
High§ 951.14 (Misdemeanor)
Failing to Provide Proper Shelter
Four categories: (1) toxic ammonia/ventilation, (2) rusty/unsound cages, (3) inadequate space with stereotypic behaviors, (4) sanitation failure/fecal buildup. Class A misdemeanor.
Methodology Caveat
Under the October 2025 settlement, Ridglan does not admit criminal or civil liability. The special prosecutor agreed not to file criminal charges in exchange for Ridglan surrendering its license to sell dogs by July 1, 2026. Ridglan may retain approximately 84 beagles for internal research.
Key Legal Mechanisms
Moderate§ 968.02(3)
Special Prosecutor Provision
Wisconsin statute allowing a circuit judge to appoint a special prosecutor when a DA refuses to prosecute and probable cause exists. The court found both prongs met: the DA refused (6+ years of inaction despite evidence), and probable cause was established through testimony and inspection records.