More than two dozen beagles arrived at PAWS Chicago this weekend after being rescued from a breeding and research facility in Wisconsin.
NBC Chicago captured the moment 25 of the dogs were brought to PAWS’ medical center in Little Village. The dogs from Ridglan Farms near Madison are among 1,500 beagles being relocated from the site under a purchase agreement reached between the facility and animal rescuers.
The first group of dogs included in the agreement left the facility on Friday, according to WMTV, the NBC affiliate in Madison. The effort is expected to continue over the coming days.
“We’ve got the first 300 of 1,500 out of Ridglan today, and it was the happiest feeling,” Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, told WMTV on Friday. “These sweet dogs have got such a bright future ahead of them. And we actually emptied three buildings.”
Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which is based in Florida, is taking responsibility for about 1,000 of the dogs. The remaining 500 are being placed through partner organizations, such as PAWS.
Ridglan Farms is at the center of a state investigation for animal cruelty allegations. In a statement posted on its website, the business said, “No credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”
