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
Investigation Timeline
24 key events from 2006 through March 2026.
2006investigation
Matthew Reich begins employment at Ridglan
Five-year tenure (2006-2010) during which he witnessed devocalization, cherry eye surgeries, foot injuries, stereotypic behaviors, and a cannibalism incident.
Oct 26, 2016inspection
DATCP Inspection
Puppies' feet and legs passing through floor gaps. Prominent stereotypical behaviors documented.
Apr 2017investigation
Wayne Hsiung enters Ridglan
Documents conditions on video — spinning dogs, wire flooring, devocalized dogs. Footage later used in Pulitzer-nominated article.
May 2018media
Pulitzer Prize journalist publishes article
Feature-length article on Ridglan conditions using Hsiung's footage.
May 2018complaint
First complaints filed
Hsiung contacts DA, Sheriff, Animal Control. No response from any agency.
Winter 2021-22investigation
Scott Gilbertson employed at Ridglan
Later testifies about cherry eye surgeries, conditions, fecal buildup, solitary confinement.
Jul 6, 2022inspection
DATCP Inspection
30% of cages rusty. Inspector nauseated by ammonia. Throat irritation lasting hours.
Oct 2022complaint
Animal Law Firm submits complaint
Independent law firm requests criminal charges. No response.
May 2023complaint
Follow-up complaint to DA
2017 evidence supplemented with recent inspection reports. No response.
Dec 5, 2023inspection
USDA Inspection
Puppies' feet passing through mesh in 11 enclosures — same issue from 2016, seven years later.
Mar 2024complaint
Additional evidence shared
Reports from former employees of surgical mutilations. Called, emailed, filed online. No response.
Mar 18, 2024complaint
In-person complaint delivery
Hsiung delivers complaint and criminal referral from former federal prosecutor to DA and Sheriff. No response.
Apr 18, 2024hearing
Meeting with DA Ozanne
10-minute meeting. Ozanne's response: 'You will hear from us.' No follow-up.
Jun 6, 2024inspection
DATCP Inspection
Drainage failure. Stagnant waste. Dog limping with ruptured interdigital cyst — no documentation.
Sep 16, 2024inspection
DATCP Inspection
Same drainage failure as June — three months after citation. 3,200 dogs, 16 employees.
Oct 22, 2024filing
983 emails revealed
Open records request shows DA's Office received 983 separate emails asking them to investigate Ridglan.
Oct 23, 2024hearing
Evidentiary hearing
Gilbertson, Reich, Hsiung testify. Expert witnesses. Video and inspection reports admitted. 26 exhibits.
Nov 8, 2024filing
Post-Hearing Brief filed
Document 59, Case No. 2024JD000001. Petitioners move for special prosecutor.
Jan 2025enforcement
Judge orders special prosecutor
Court finds probable cause of multiple criminal violations. DA has refused to prosecute.
Feb 27, 2025enforcement
Tim Gruenke appointed
La Crosse County DA appointed as special prosecutor.
Sep 4, 2025enforcement
311 DATCP violations cited
308 counts of mistreating dogs + 3 daily health check failures. $55,148.50 proposed fine.
Sep 30, 2025enforcement
Van Domelen license suspended
Veterinary Examining Board unanimous vote. Delegated cherry eye surgeries to unlicensed staff.
Oct 28, 2025filing
Settlement reached
Ridglan surrenders license to sell dogs by July 1, 2026. No criminal charges. May retain ~84 dogs for internal research.
Mar 15, 2026investigation
Open rescue
~100 activists march to Ridglan. ~22 beagles removed. 27 arrested including Wayne Hsiung and Alexandra Paul.