Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais has voiced support for large-scale “open rescue” aiming to remove up to 2,000 beagles from the breeding facility Ridglan Farms in the United States.
The dogs are kept in cages for laboratory testing. Activists are planning what could become one of the largest animal rescue actions of its kind.
Gervais, who has long spoken out on animal welfare issues, said that dogs deserve “love and freedom.” He expressed support for efforts to remove the animals and find them new homes.
Animal rights groups say the beagles at the Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin are kept in small cages. They have limited contact with the outside environment. According to campaigners, many dogs are housed individually in metal enclosures with wire flooring.
Some animals show repetitive behaviours, such as spinning, which is often linked to stress in confined animals. These claims are based on investigations, witness statements and video footage shared by animal right groups over several years.
“These dogs are caged, poisoned, and even mutilated at Ridglan Farms,” said Wayne Hsiung, the attorney and activist who organized the rescue in March and is organizing the upcoming one.
Some former employees have also come forward with allegations about conditions and treatment at the facility.
Tensions rise ahead of planned second rescue
Ridglan Farms says it operates within the law. A judge previously found there was probable cause that animal welfare laws may have been violated.
A special prosecutor chose not to bring criminal charges and instead reached an agreement for the breeding operation to close by July 2026. Part of the agreemeent was for Ridglan Farms to surrender its breeding license on July 1, 2026.
As the July 1 deadline approaches, the dogs have not been released. Animal rights groups fear that many of the remaining dogs could still be sold to laboratories or euthanised.
That is why organiser Wayne Hsiung is planning the rescue. His goal is to give the dogs a chance to live outside the facility.
Tensions are rising in Wisconsin as activists and police prepare for the second attempt to remove beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility. Organisers say the protest will be non-violent, but authorities expect a large police presence.
More than 2,000 people are expected to travel to the site for the ‘open rescue’. The action follows a smaller rescue in March, when activists entered the facility and removed 22 beagles.
Some of the dogs were later recovered by police, while others were rehomed.
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