THE ABUSE CONTINUES

District Attorney Tim Gruenke was appointed special prosecutor by Judge Lanford on February 5, 2025, to investigate Ridglan Farms. The concluding paragraph of the report filed by DA Gruenke in this case reads “In sum, Gruenke decided that … he could charge Ridglan Farms with a felony – §951.02 mistreatment of animals. However, given their willingness to close their business, end the conduct that gave rise to this inquiry without the expense and uncertainty of a prosecution, he concluded that charges will not be filed….” [ref].

 

Unfortunately, this did not lead to Ridglan “closing their business” as DA Gruenke had stated.  Ridglan Farms surrendered their license as a "dog breeder" (on or before, July 1, 2026) as defined by the provisions of Wis.Stat. §173.41. However, since their USDA licenses (Class A and Class R) were not suspended, they may still operate under these licenses after July 1, 2026. Under the USDA Class A license, Ridglan Farms will be able to breed and sell up to 24 dogs per year, and under their Class R license, they can still conduct research on any dogs they breed, and on the dogs currently at Ridglan (approximately 2000 dogs).  

 

Ridglan has repeatedly demonstrated that they are not fit to breed, sell, or experiment on dogs. We hope that increased awareness brings an end to Ridglan for the benefit of animals and the betterment of science.