A wave of determined activists, including formerBaywatchstar Alexandra Paul, recently faced arrest after a daring attempt to liberate beagles from Ridglan Farms, a breeding facility shrouded in controversy. The incident unfolded in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, igniting a fierce debate about animal rights and research practices.
Paul, no stranger to activism, was among twenty individuals taken into custody on charges of trespassing. This isn’t her first encounter with the law in pursuit of animal welfare; in 2021, she was arrested for rescuing chickens, ultimately being found not guilty of the charges.
The protest involved a group of approximately sixty individuals who breached the facility, aiming to remove the dogs. Ridglan Farms is one of only two facilities in the United States specializing in breeding beagles specifically for biomedical research, a practice that draws significant ethical scrutiny.
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett acknowledged the passion driving the activists, stating the agency respects the right to peaceful protest. However, he emphasized the necessity of upholding the law and ensuring public safety during such events.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that activists actively removed numerous dogs from the facility on March 15th. Barrett urged those with concerns about animal welfare to pursue lawful and constructive avenues for change, reiterating the commitment to maintaining order and respecting legal rights.
This action follows a prior agreement reached in October 2025, where Ridglan Farms committed to cease selling dogs for research purposes by July 2026. The facility currently maintains it adheres to the highest standards of animal care, boasting accreditation from AAALAC International.
Alexandra Paul is widely recognized for her role as Lt. Stephanie Holden on the iconic television seriesBaywatch, where she starred alongside Pamela Anderson and Nicole Eggert. Her continued dedication to animal rights underscores a commitment that extends far beyond her acting career.
