Episode Details

In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann are joined by open rescue pioneer Adam Durand to discuss the dramatic March 15th Ridglan Rescue — a coordinated action in which 100 activists descended on a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility supplying dogs to medical research labs, ultimately freeing 22 dogs despite reinforced doors, an aggressively blocking vehicle, and on-site arrests. Adam shares what it was like inside, why the public response has been unlike anything the movement has seen before, and what comes next as organizers plan a follow-up action with a prospective 2,000 participants.

• The Ridglan Rescue: 100 activists used angle grinders and bolt cutters to breach a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility on March 15th, rescuing 22 dogs bound for use in medical research — a culmination of years of open rescue advocacy led by Wayne Hsiung, Alexandra Paul, Adam Durand, and others from the DxE network.
• Inside the facility: Adam describes conditions identical to factory farms — wire mesh cages, ammonia-saturated air, and near-total sensory deprivation — contradicting the assumption that medical research kennels meet higher welfare standards.
• Public support and media momentum: The rescue generated overwhelming mainstream support, with even law enforcement expressing conflict over the arrests, reflecting a cultural shift in how people view animals.
• Legal landscape: Ridglan faces court findings of illegal cruelty and has been ordered to exit the dog-supply business, but a deal with prosecutors has delayed and denied criminal accountability — the central grievance driving continued direct action.
• What’s next — April 19th, Madison, WI: Organizers are aiming to mobilize 2,000 people for a follow-up action at the Blue Mounds facility; participants can sign up at savethedogs.io and choose roles ranging from front-line rescue (with arrest risk) to public protest on open land.

RESOURCES

• • • • • Adam Durand on episode 847
        • Warm Hearts, Wet Noses, and the Questions We Can’t Ignore
        • Maddie Krasno of Justify on episode 780
        • Melanie Kaplan on episode 884
        • Tom Regan Visiting Research Fellowship
  •  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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