A group of activists removed beagles from a Wisconsin dog breeding facility in an incident that led to arrests, authorities reported.
Alexandra Paul, known for her role in “Baywatch,” was among about 20 individuals arrested on Sunday, March 15, 2026, following what the Dane County Sheriff’s Office described as a breach of property at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
The sheriff’s office stated that approximately 50 to 60 protesters entered the facility early Sunday morning and “broke into” it, removing numerous dogs. While some beagles were recovered and returned to the farm, several animals remain missing.
Law enforcement seized two vehicles, burglary tools, and other items during the ongoing investigation, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The agency continues to investigate while balancing public safety with the right to protest.
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett expressed understanding for the activists’ concerns regarding animal welfare but emphasized the importance of lawful conduct: “Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place.”
Ridglan Farms, which provides dogs for scientific research, has faced regulatory changes. In October 2025, the company agreed to cease selling dogs bred specifically for biomedical research by July 1, 2026.
Paul has a history of animal rights activism and previously faced misdemeanor theft charges in 2021 related to taking chickens from a truck. She was later found not guilty after testifying in Merced County court.
The incident follows Paul’s long-standing commitment to animal welfare, which she began at age 14 when she adopted a vegan lifestyle by age 47 and avoided products tested on animals for decades.
