Source: Fortune.com
Summary
About 1,000 animal welfare activists attempted to enter a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin, but were turned back by police who used rubber bullets and pepper spray. The protesters, led by Wayne Hsiung, were trying to seize beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility. The sheriff’s department reported a “significant” number of arrests, but did not provide an exact total. This is the second attempt by protesters to take beagles from the facility in as many months.
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Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding and research facility, has become a focal point for animal welfare activists. The facility has denied mistreating animals, but agreed to give up its state breeding license as of July 1. The protesters, led by Wayne Hsiung, have taken a more aggressive approach, attempting to seize beagles from the facility twice in as many months. The sheriff’s department has responded with force, using rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. The situation has become increasingly tense, with the sheriff describing the protest as “not peaceful.”
The company’s statement on its website claims “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.” Meanwhile, activists like Julie Vrzeski express feelings of defeat as they fail to seize the dogs.
What we’re seeing is a classic case of “concerned citizens” vs. “responsible business practices.”
Author: Evan Null
