In a rare story that has Americans from all political stripes wagging their tails, more than 1,500 beagles bred for medical research are getting a shot at real family life after a major rescue effort backed by a Trump-connected animal rescue organization.
The rescued dogs came from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, a facility that has bred beagles for research for decades. According to reports, the operation is surrendering its breeding license in July and 1,500 dogs are being transferred to shelters and rescue organizations across the country. 500 dogs are still at the facility and hopefully will be negotiated out of there soon.
The rescue operation was spearheaded by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, which reportedly [1] offered a million dollars to secure the dogs’ release.
And yes – there’s a Trump connection.
Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, serves on the board of Big Dog Ranch Rescue and publicly promoted the effort. The rescue group often holds fundraisers at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. Last year, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk helped raise $4.3 million [2] for Big Dog Ranch Rescue at Mar-a-Lago during a record-breaking fundraising event.
More money will be needed for their care including essential medical services like spay/ neuter procedures, vaccinations, and microchipping, along with daily care and enrichment to help them thrive.
Now, Americans are seeing exactly how that support is making a difference. Videos circulating online show rescued beagles stepping onto grass for what rescuers say may have been the first time in their lives. The Beagles are currently in foster homes and with adoption groups around the country.
BREAKING: The first 300 Ridglan beagles touched grass for the first time today.
They stepped outside and looked up at the sun.
Many are playful. Some are scared. All are learning the world can be safe.
Today, they are free. pic.twitter.com/jUF6Y6dCGf [3]
— Dean Guzman Wyrzykowski (@deanguzmanw) May 2, 2026 [4]
Whether critics like it or not, the Trump family, through money and deeds, played a role in helping make the rescue effort possible – and even political opponents should be able to admit that saving over a thousand dogs is something worth applauding.