Recently, Laffey, Leitner & Goode represented the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE) in an effort to help secure the release of 1,500 beagles from a laboratory facility in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Ridglan Farms, a laboratory and contract testing facility, housed thousands of beagles. A recent plea agreement between Ridglan Farms and a special prosecutor appointed by a Dane County judge resulted in the facility’s agreement to give up its dog seller’s license as of July 1, 2026. Amid concerns that many of the dogs might be sold quickly, potentially into further research environments, CHE’s rescue window was limited, and the dog’s outcome uncertain.
Partner Joe Goode represented CHE in negotiations throughout the process. It was not straightforward. There were setbacks and moments where progress stalled. At several points, it would have been easy to step away.
Instead, the work continued, steady and focused on finding a path forward.
In the end, 1,500 beagles are being released under the confidential agreement reached with Ridglan Farms.
Reflecting on the effort, Goode shared:
“At Laffey, Leitner & Goode, we’re fortunate to apply our expertise to cases that make a real difference. Representing the Center for a Humane Economy in this matter required weeks of complex negotiations, persistence and problem-solving to keep conversations moving even when progress wasn’t certain. I’m proud to have helped secure this outcome. After 34 years in practice, it stands out as one of the most meaningful results of my career.”
As Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, shared:
“Joe stayed with a difficult negotiation because he believed in the outcome. In the end, he got it done and made a real difference for the animals. Our tails are still wagging.”
The outcome was made possible through collaboration with several organizations working to receive, care for and rehome the animals, including:
- Center for a Humane Economy
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue
- Beagle Freedom Project
- Dane County Humane Society
- Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project
- Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies
