Investigation launched into alleged animal cruelty violations by Ridglan Farms

Dane County Judge Rhonda Lanford appointed a special prosecutor to investigate alleged animal cruelty violations by Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds. Ridglan Farms breeds beagles for biomedical testing. The breeder has faced opposition by animal rights groups for years. The order stems from a filling by Wayne Hsiung, Dane4Dogs, and Alliance for Animals that presented evidence of animal abuse at a evidentiary hearing Oct. 23. Six witnesses provided testimony against the breeder, including photos, documents, and video evidence.  Scott Gilbertson was one of two former workers who testified Oct. 23. In an exchange with an attorney representing the petitioners Gilbertson stated the dogs were never taken on walks, taken outside or moved outside their cages at any point other than “to be moved to the back portion (of the building) where they’d be shipped out.”