Rescued Beagles: Ridglan Farms, Envigo and Adopting a Laboratory Beagle

Beagles are the dog breed most often used in laboratory research, and in recent years thousands of them have been rescued from breeding and research facilities and adopted into homes. If you've seen headlines about 1,500 beagles rescued or Ridglan Farms beagles, this guide explains what happened, who was involved and what it's like to adopt a former laboratory beagle.

Why beagles are used in research

The same traits that make beagles wonderful family dogs — their gentle, friendly, people-tolerant nature and their manageable size — also made them the breed of choice for laboratories. Beagles have been used for decades in pharmaceutical and safety testing. Animal welfare groups have campaigned against this for years, and the issue gained wide public attention through the large rescues below.

The Ridglan Farms beagles (2026)

Ridglan Farms, in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, bred beagles for research. In spring 2026, about 1,500 beagles were released from the facility under an agreement in which the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue acquired the dogs and arranged their care and adoption. News reports said Ridglan had earlier agreed to give up its state breeding license as part of resolving animal mistreatment charges; the farm's owners said their dogs were healthy and well cared for.

The dogs were checked and vaccinated by veterinarians and sent to shelters and rescues across the country. The Wisconsin Humane Society alone planned to take around 150, and other groups — including the Beagle Freedom Project — helped move dogs to partner rescues. Many of these beagles have since been adopted, and some rescues may still have Ridglan beagles waiting for homes.

The Envigo beagles (2022)

In 2022, around 4,000 beagles were removed from an Envigo facility in Cumberland, Virginia, that bred dogs for research, after federal inspectors documented serious welfare violations. It became one of the largest dog rescues in US history: the Humane Society of the United States coordinated the removal, and the beagles were placed through shelters and rescues nationwide. Envigo later pleaded guilty to federal animal welfare charges.

Groups that rescue laboratory beagles

• Beagle Freedom Project — a nonprofit that rescues and rehomes animals released from laboratories, and campaigns to end animal testing.
• Big Dog Ranch Rescue — a large Florida dog rescue that took part in acquiring the Ridglan Farms beagles.
• Humane societies and regional beagle rescues — including groups in Wisconsin and neighboring states, many listed by the National Beagle Club.

Check each organization's website for current adoptable dogs.

What to expect from a former laboratory beagle

Many lab beagles have never lived in a house. They may never have walked on grass, climbed stairs, heard a doorbell or worn a collar. Adopters often describe a beautiful transformation — but it takes time.

• Go slowly. A quiet home, a predictable routine and a safe den help enormously.
• Expect house-training from scratch. Treat them like a puppy, whatever their age.
• Be patient with fears. New sounds, surfaces and people can be overwhelming at first.
• Use a secure harness and fence. Frightened dogs can bolt.
• Let another calm dog help. Many lab beagles take confidence from a resident dog.
• Work with your vet on any health needs.

Adopting vs. buying a beagle

Adopting a rescued beagle is a wonderful choice for patient, experienced families. If you're looking for a puppy with a known background, a breeder may suit you better. Read our honest comparison: beagles for adoption vs. buying from a breeder.

Questions

What happened to the 1,500 Ridglan Farms beagles?

In spring 2026 they were released from the Wisconsin facility under an agreement with the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue, examined by vets and sent to shelters and rescues nationwide for adoption.

Can I adopt a rescued laboratory beagle?

Yes. Contact the Beagle Freedom Project, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, your local humane society or a regional beagle rescue to ask about available dogs.

Do rescued lab beagles make good pets?

Many become loving, happy family dogs. They usually need extra patience and time to adjust to normal home life.

Why are beagles used in testing?

Mainly because of their gentle, cooperative temperament and convenient size — the same reasons they are such popular pets.