TIMELINE AND LEGAL ACTIONS

January, 2025: Dane County judge Rhonda Lanford found probable cause that Ridglan Farms committed crimes of animal cruelty [ref].

 

On February 5, 2025, Judge Landford appointed special prosecutor La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke to investigate the case [ref]

 

September 4, 2025: Dane County Supervisor Rick Rose toured Ridglan Farms and described the conditions as “horrific” [ref]. One DATCP inspector noted "the ammonia/odor level in several locations within the buildings was bad enough I experienced nausea on one occasion, and my throat and nostrils were irritated for several hours after I left the facility" [ref].

 

September 30, 2025: The State of Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board voted unanimously for an emergency suspension of Ridglan Farms facility manager Dr. Richard Van Domelen’s veterinary license [ref].

 

October 23, 2025: The Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 119, which calls the beagles at Ridglan Farms “sentient beings” that deserve ethical treatment, calling on DATCAP to revote Ridglan’s state-issue commercial dog breeder license [ref].

 

A Special Prosecutor Report from La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke states: “In sum, Gruenke decided that even though there would be legal questions remaining, he could charge Ridglan Farms with a felony §951.02 mistreatment of animals.” [ref]

 

October 28, 2025: In order to avoid criminal prosecution, Ridglan Farms co-owners Dr. James Burns, Dr. Jeffrey Ballmer and Dr. David Williams struck a deal [ref] with special prosecutor Gruenke, stating it will voluntarily relinquish its state license to breed dogs no later than July 1 of 2026 [ref].

 

March 2026: Unfortunately, Ridglan still maintains its USDA licenses for breeding and for research (see The Abuse Continues).​​​​