LOXAHATCHEE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Big Dog Ranch Rescue is addressing public concern over the Ridglan beagles in its care, saying the dogs that recently arrived in Palm Beach County are slowly settling in while the organization works to clarify where the rest of the dogs have gone.
The Ridglan beagles are part of a large animal-rescue effort tied to Ridglan Farms, a Blue Mounds, Wisconsin facility that described itself as a USDA Class A dog breeder and USDA-licensed Class R research facility providing purpose-bred beagles for research. The case drew national attention after animal welfare protests at the facility and after Ridglan agreed to give up its state breeding license effective July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on felony animal mistreatment charges; Ridglan has denied mistreating animals.
The Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue later reached a deal to purchase about 1,500 beagles from Ridglan, with the dogs transferred to rescue groups and shelters around the country for veterinary care, socialization and eventual adoption. Big Dog Ranch Rescue has said nearly 1,000 of the dogs began their new start through its effort, while Dane County Humane Society and other partners handled additional groups of beagles as the broader transfer continued.
The Loxahatchee Groves-based rescue said the latest Ridglan beagles to arrive are beginning to adjust to their new surroundings. In an update shared by the organization, Big Dog Ranch Rescue said the dogs are spending time outdoors, becoming more comfortable with staff and starting to show more of their personalities.
The rescue described the progress as gradual. The dogs are beginning to play, wag their tails and interact with one another.
The update comes as the organization also responded to what it called “concern and misinformation” about where the beagles have been placed.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue said it was responsible only for the first 1,000 dogs. According to the organization, an additional 500 dogs currently being pulled from Ridglan are under the ownership of Beagle Freedom Project, not Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
That distinction matters because many people following the beagles’ movement have been asking where the dogs are, who is handling them and when they may be available for foster or adoption.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue said only a small number of dogs in its care went home with fosters through its foster-to-adopt program. The rescue said those placements were granted to volunteers who worked for 10 straight days at the staging area while the dogs were being cared for.
The organization said it trusts those volunteers to foster the dogs through the adoption process.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue also said adoptions are not finalized until each dog is fully spayed or neutered. The organization said it treats that policy seriously.
For dogs placed with other organizations, Big Dog Ranch Rescue said it is not involved in direct placement decisions being made by the 35 rescue partners that received dogs. The rescue said it expects those partner organizations to follow similar standards, including ensuring dogs are medically cleared, properly socialized, spayed or neutered and given time to adjust before adoption.
The organization also said adopters are required to complete an application and background check process before dogs are placed in homes.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue provided a list of rescue partners for people interested in adopting through the broader network. The list includes organizations in Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Colorado, California, Missouri, Georgia, Texas and other states.
Florida groups listed include Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue in Fort Myers, Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation in Sunrise and Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton.
For Boca Raton and Palm Beach County readers, that means at least one listed partner is local to Boca Raton, while Big Dog Ranch Rescue remains based in western Palm Beach County.
The rescue said the dogs now in its care are still adjusting after their previous environment and are being watched as they learn basic routines and social behavior. The group said the progress includes “zoomies,” tail wags and playtime with other dogs.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue also directed supporters to its beagle fund for donations tied to the effort.
This story is part of our ongoing Loxahatchee News reporting.
