Wisconsin Vet Loses License Over Beagle Misconduct Scandal

A significant victory for animal welfare advocates has arrived as Wisconsin regulators permanently revoke the veterinary license of Richard Van Domelen, the lead veterinarian at Ridglan Farms, following a thorough investigation into serious mistreatment allegations involving thousands of Beagles. This long-awaited decision has sparked an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude among those who dedicated years to this cause, solidifying accountability for the past and igniting hope for the future of these animals.

Amy Van Aartsen, co-founder of The Marty Project, expressed her emotions upon reviewing the recently issued 28-page final order from the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board, stating, “This makes me so happy. I think we’ve all waited for this day for such a long time.”

The order marks the conclusion of disciplinary actions against Van Domelen, who has been managing Ridglan Farms since its establishment in 1966 as a Beagle breeding facility for scientific research. The site has recently been under intense scrutiny due to a comprehensive state investigation that unfolded over the past two years.

Investigations revealed alarming practices where Van Domelen assigned numerous veterinary procedures to unlicensed individuals. These procedures encompassed eye surgeries, vocal cord removals, and dental extractions, with reports indicating that proper anesthesia was often not administered. Particularly shocking were claims that dental extractions were performed without any anesthesia.

“I can’t fathom,” remarked Van Aartsen when reflecting on these findings.

The inquiry also involved interviews with former employees, with one revealing that ketamine was only given to dogs that exhibited distress during procedures, raising further concerns about their treatment. For advocates who have closely monitored this case, the investigation has been fundamentally about safeguarding animals from needless suffering.

“These poor pups were subject to such cruelty,” Van Aartsen lamented. While she has always advocated for alternatives to animal testing, she stressed that this situation transcends the broader discussion of research animals, stating, “This is not about animal research at all. This is about animal cruelty.”

A New Chapter for the Beagles

On July 28, the board voted to permanently revoke Van Domelen’s veterinary license due to unprofessional conduct. Although he had previously agreed to voluntarily surrender his license in May, the public only became aware of this decision after the Veterinary Examining Board formally accepted it and released its final order.

This ruling marks another pivotal step in the ongoing closure of Ridglan Farms, which has already relinquished both state and federal breeding licenses, effectively ending its operations as a Beagle breeding facility for research purposes. Encouragingly, nearly 2,000 Beagles from Ridglan have already transitioned to rescue organizations, embarking on new lives distinct from their past experiences.

Many of these dogs are now acclimating to environments filled with kindness and care, thanks to the efforts of rescue groups dedicated to their rehabilitation and socialization. Their journey has necessitated patience, as numerous Beagles were unfamiliar with everyday family life. Ongoing medical care and socialization efforts are being provided to help the dogs build confidence as they prepare for permanent homes.

The final group of Beagles is anticipated to depart from Ridglan Farms in August, marking the conclusion of a chapter that has garnered significant public attention and ignited demands for enhanced regulatory oversight. For the advocates who have tirelessly fought for accountability, the board’s ruling transcends mere discipline; it symbolizes acknowledgment of their concerns and fosters hope that countless Beagles will now have the opportunity to live safer and happier lives.