Dan County Supervisors votes to urge state to revoke Ridglan Farms license

The Dane County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday night to approve a resolution urging state officials to revoke the license of Ridglan Farms, a Blue Mounds research facility that has faced years of scrutiny over animal welfare concerns. The measure passed 30–5, with two abstaining, after first clearing the county’s Executive Committee unanimously. Resolution 119, calls on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to consider revoking Ridglan Farms’ license. Supporters of Ridglan Farms argued that the company plays a critical role in medical research and said its employees care deeply for the animals. Ridglan representative Jim Newman said the timing of the county’s vote was unfortunate because a special prosecutor’s investigation into Ridglan Farms could conclude soon. He added that few supervisors accepted invitations to tour the facility before voting.