Protesters Gather at Merck Office Over Beagle Purchase

Residents of Boise gathered near the Merck Animal Health office on 8th Street in early October to demand the release of 54 beagles. The demonstration was part of a nationwide campaign called Save the Dogs, organized by the group Direct Action Everywhere, also known as DxE. The protesters allege that Merck purchased the animals from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin in April.

Similar rallies have taken place in California, Wisconsin, New York, and Nebraska. Jay Jaganaach, a co-organizer of the Boise event, stated that the goal of the protests is to draw attention to the cause, even if the methods cause disagreement. Jaganaach said the group believes getting any kind of attention to the issue is the main priority.

Ridglan Farms, located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is a former beagle breeding and research facility. The site faced state investigations into alleged violations of animal cruelty laws. State inspectors documented more than 300 alleged violations at the facility. A court-appointed special prosecutor also examined the treatment of dogs at the site.

In January 2025, Judge Rhonda Lanford of the Dane County Circuit Court approved a petition to appoint a special prosecutor. La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke was named to the role in February 2025. Gruenke and his staff reviewed evidence and inspection records from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. A case summary from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office noted that most allegations were either unsubstantiated or outside the statute of limitations.

One substantiated finding involved an eye procedure on a dog that investigators found did not meet veterinary standards. Ridglan Farms disputed that finding. In October 2025, the facility agreed to surrender its state breeding license by July 1, 2026, to avoid criminal prosecution. No criminal charges were filed against the facility under that agreement.

In April 2026, animal rescue organizations negotiated an agreement to acquire approximately 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy were involved in the acquisition. The dogs were taken in for rehabilitation and adoption. Additional agreements allowed the remaining dogs to leave the facility. The last dogs were transferred out by August 2026, and Ridglan permanently closed its breeding and research operations.

Merck Animal Health did not respond to multiple requests for comment before publication. The company’s published animal welfare policy states a commitment to responsible animal research. It says the organization considers scientific, ethical, and regulatory requirements when determining whether animals are necessary for research. The Arbiter has not independently verified the purchase of the 54 beagles or determined their current location.

Boise resident Jaewon Lee attended the demonstration to raise awareness about an issue he had not previously known was connected to his city. Lee said he hopes the protests encourage more residents to speak out. He suggested that support from public officials and legislation would be beneficial. Cory Ramsay, another participant, said the protests should encourage consumers to examine how their purchasing decisions affect animals. Ramsay said people can vote with their dollar and that the industry should stop testing on animals to regain customer trust.

Federal lawmakers are considering the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act, also known as the COMPACT Act. The bill was introduced on Sept. 21 by Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York and Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. The legislation would prohibit the use of certain Department of Health and Human Services funds for biomedical research involving live dogs and cats. It also includes provisions for rehoming eligible research animals. The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Ashlee Nielsen adopted Winston, a beagle formerly housed at Ridglan Farms, after he entered rescue care. Winston initially struggled to adjust to his new home. He was frightened by unfamiliar noises, reluctant to eat, and hesitant to interact with people. Nielsen said the dog was always in a state of high alert. Over time, Winston began to respond to the family’s efforts to help him feel safe. Nielsen recalled celebrating small milestones, such as the first time Winston barked. She noted that seeing the dog’s recovery has strengthened her involvement in animal welfare advocacy.