Dane County DA

Dane County District Attorney's Office
Regulatorylaw enforcementMadison, WI

Refused to prosecute Ridglan Farms for animal cruelty despite 6+ years of evidence and 983 public emails.

Personnel

Ismael OzanneDistrict Attorney

Complaints (6)

April 18, 2024by Wayne Hsiung & Kristin SchrankNo response

Met with DA Ozanne and investigator for ~10 minutes. Presented evidence. Ozanne's only response: 'You will hear from us.' No follow-up.

March 18, 2024by Wayne HsiungNo response

In-person delivery of complaint and criminal referral from former federal prosecutor. Attached as Exhibits H and I.

March 1, 2024by Wayne HsiungNo response

Additional evidence including reports from former employees of surgical mutilations. Called, emailed, and filed online.

May 1, 2023by Law clerk working with HsiungNo response

Follow-up complaint with 2017 investigation evidence supplemented with recent government inspection reports. Attached as Exhibit G.

October 1, 2022by The Animal Law FirmNo response

Independent law firm submitted complaint requesting criminal charges against Ridglan. Attached as Exhibit F.

May 15, 2018by Wayne Hsiung / The Simple HeartNo response

Contacted DA's Office, Sheriff, and Animal Control after Pulitzer article publication to request investigation and offer evidence.

Related Facts (11)

C1The DA's Office has been aware of criminal activity at Ridglan for over six years but has refused to even open an investigation.#46
C1May 2018: Hsiung's organization contacted DA, Sheriff, and Animal Control after the Pulitzer article. No response from any agency.#47
C1October 2022: The Animal Law Firm submitted a criminal complaint to Animal Control, Sheriff, and DA requesting charges. No response.#48
C1May 2023: Follow-up complaint to DA with 2017 evidence and recent inspection reports. No response.#49
C1March 2024: Hsiung shared evidence of surgical mutilations from former employees. Called, emailed, filed complaint online. No response.#50
C1March 18, 2024: Hsiung delivered complaint and criminal referral from a former federal prosecutor to DA and Sheriff in person. No response.#51
C1April 18, 2024: Hsiung and Schrank met with DA Ozanne for 10 minutes. Ozanne's only response: 'You will hear from us.' No follow-up.#52
C1October 22, 2024: Open records request revealed the DA's Office had received 983 separate emails asking them to investigate Ridglan. No response to any.#53
C1At a September 12, 2024 hearing, DA Ozanne stated he had never received a 'referral' — despite having received several, including from a former federal prosecutor.#54
C2Despite all interactions with the DA's Office — including an in-person meeting — at no point did Ozanne inform Petitioners he would only prosecute upon referral by law enforcement.#55
C1The DA can claim he only prosecutes if the Sheriff investigates; the Sheriff can claim he only investigates if the DA will prosecute — a catch-22 that § 968.02(3) was designed to prevent.#57