A judge in Wisconsin has agreed to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate a beagle-breeding operation in Blue Mounds. The facility, Ridglan Farms, faces allegations of animal mistreatment and cruelty, including conducting medical procedures on dogs without anaesthesia and failing to provide appropriate living conditions. Despite years of complaints from animal rights activists, local officials, including the district attorney, have declined to take action against the facility.

Experts and witnesses presented evidence to support felony and misdemeanour charges against Ridglan Farm, including removing glands from dogs’ eyes to prevent "cherry eye" and "mutilating" their vocal flaps to lower barking volume. Animal activists and organizations are hopeful that the investigation will result in prosecution and jail time for those responsible, as they believe cruelty is inherent in the business model of breeding beagles for vivisection.