In a significant step toward animal-free science, Ridglan Farms, the second largest breeder of dogs for medical research in the United States, has agreed to shut down its beagle breeding operation under threat of prosecution.
While the facility will continue conducting its own research on dogs, it will no longer breed and ship animals to other research facilities. Ridglan Farms has until July 1, 2026 to place its remaining 2,500 dogs, and activists are strongly advocating for rehoming these animals rather than selling them to other researchers.
This victory is another powerful indicator that the future of science is animal free. It demonstrates growing momentum in the movement to end the use of animals in research and aligns perfectly with our mission to protect animals and advance humane science.
“Ridglan Farms’ agreement to end the breeding and sale of dogs for research isn’t a voluntary act, it’s the result of years of documented animal abuse and relentless pressure from advocates who refused to look away,” said NAVS Director of Policy and Advocacy Meredith Blanchard. “NAVS has targeted this facility for years, exposing the suffering of beagles trapped in the research pipeline. This is a long-overdue victory for the animals—but our work isn’t done until every dog is free from laboratory life.”
NAVS has previously been involved in efforts to hold this facility accountable. We previously sponsored a billboard in the area supporting a municipal ordinance that would have prevented facilities from using public roads to transport dogs to research labs. Though that ordinance did not pass, continued pressure from advocates and organizations like ours has now resulted in this major breakthrough.
This win proves that persistent advocacy creates real change for animals. The tide is changing for animals trapped in labs, and our supporters are a driving force in that change. By using your voice, staying informed, and relentlessly advocating for a better world for animals, as well as better science, the future we envision grows closer to reality every day.
