Quick Facts: Ridglan Farms
| Ownership | Private (family-owned business) |
| Location | Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, USA |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Type | USDA-licensed commercial beagle breeding facility |
| In the News | Settlement reached July 2026 over animal welfare allegations |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns Ridglan Farms?
Ridglan Farms is a privately owned family business based in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. Founded in 1966, Ridglan Farms operates as a USDA-licensed commercial beagle breeding facility, supplying laboratory animals primarily for pharmaceutical and medical research purposes. The facility’s private ownership structure means that the identities of individual ownership and family principals have not been fully disclosed in public filings or media reports. The business is not affiliated with any publicly traded corporation and has no institutional investment partners. Ridglan Farms was the subject of significant public attention and legal proceedings related to animal welfare allegations at its facility, culminating in a settlement reached in July 2026.
About Ridglan Farms and the Animal Research Industry
Ridglan Farms is a USDA Class A licensed breeder — the designation for facilities that breed animals specifically for sale to research laboratories, as opposed to acquiring them from random sources. Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed in pharmaceutical and biomedical research due to their gentle temperament and manageable size. Ridglan has historically been one of the largest commercial beagle breeders in the United States. The facility came under intense scrutiny from animal welfare advocates and federal investigators who raised allegations regarding the conditions under which animals were kept. These concerns led to legal proceedings and regulatory actions that became a significant focal point for animal rights organizations in 2023–2026, culminating in the July 2026 settlement.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Ridglan Farms is a privately owned family business in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. The specific identities of the family owners have not been publicly disclosed.
- Founded in 1966, it operates as a USDA Class A licensed commercial beagle breeder, supplying research animals to pharmaceutical and biomedical laboratories.
- Ridglan Farms is not affiliated with any publicly traded company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
- The facility became the subject of significant animal welfare controversy and legal proceedings, resulting in a settlement in July 2026.
- Commercial beagle breeders operate under USDA licensing requirements governed by the Animal Welfare Act.
Related Ownership Profiles
For another well-known consumer brand, see who owns Sharpie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Ridglan Farms?
Ridglan Farms is a privately owned family business in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. The specific individuals who own it have not been publicly disclosed. It has been operated as a family business since its founding in 1966.
What does Ridglan Farms do?
Ridglan Farms is a USDA Class A licensed commercial beagle breeding facility. It breeds beagles that are sold to pharmaceutical companies and research institutions for use in biomedical and pharmaceutical research studies.
Is Ridglan Farms publicly traded?
No. Ridglan Farms is a privately owned family business and is not listed on any stock exchange.
Why was Ridglan Farms in the news?
Ridglan Farms received significant media attention due to animal welfare allegations regarding the conditions at its beagle breeding facility. The controversy attracted attention from animal rights organizations and federal regulators, leading to legal proceedings and a settlement reached in July 2026.