An Attempted Beagle Rescue at Ridglan Farms in Dane County Wisconsin on April 18, 2026

(The Center Square) -- It might cost as much as $5 million to prosecute about 50 animal rights activists who attempted to take beagles from a now-defunct Wisconsin breeder accused of abusing them, according to an attorney who was among those arrested.

By contrast, the dog breeder, Ridglan Farms, struck a deal and avoided criminal charges.

Jared Strong is an investigative reporter for The Center Square based in the Midwest. He is a lifelong Iowan who has worked for news organizations – big and small – for more than 20 years. He and his wife have three children, a small flock of chickens and an old Case tractor.

Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.