DATCP
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Regulatoryregulatory bodyMadison, WI
State agency responsible for inspecting dog breeding facilities. Conducted multiple inspections of Ridglan documenting violations but did not escalate to criminal referral.
Related Facts (12)
B1DATCP October 2016: 'Puppies' feet and legs were passing through the gaps in the flooring.'#20
B1DATCP July 2022: 'Approximately 30% of the enclosures with walls constructed of coated wire had some degree of rust or the wire coating was worn off.'#21
B1DATCP July 2022: Inspector reported ammonia/odor level 'bad enough that I experienced nausea on one occasion, and my throat and nostrils were irritated for several hours after I left the facility.'#22
B1DATCP June 2024: Drainage systems not rapidly eliminating animal waste. Dog limping with ruptured interdigital cyst — no documentation.#24
B1DATCP September 2024: Same drainage failure as June 2024 — only three months after being cited. Dog limping with scratches/puncture wounds, no documentation.#25
B1DATCP October 2016 noted: 'A number of adult dogs in the facility were displaying prominent stereotypical behaviors; such as: circling, pacing, and wall bouncing.'#29
C1DATCP has inspected Ridglan multiple times (2016, 2022, 2024x2). Each inspection finds problems. None result in meaningful enforcement.#58
C1The September 2024 DATCP inspection found the exact same drainage failure cited in the June 2024 inspection — three months earlier.#59
C1DATCP cited Ridglan Farms for 311 violations: 308 counts of mistreating dogs and 3 counts of failing to perform required daily health checks, dating back to 2022.#79
C1DATCP proposed a civil forfeiture of $55,148.50 in fines and fees for the 311 violations.#80
A1Most of the 311 DATCP violations involve cherry eye surgery — removing a third eye gland without any anesthetic.#81
C1Earlier in 2025, the Veterinary Examining Board had allowed Van Domelen to keep practicing under conditions, but a surprise inspection found record-keeping problems, triggering the emergency suspension.#84