Alexandra Paul, the actress best known for her role on the global television phenomenon Baywatch, was arrested Sunday morning during a high-stakes confrontation at Ridglan Farms, a controversial beagle breeding facility.
The 62-year-old activist was among approximately 20 individuals taken into custody following what organizers described as an “open rescue” operation. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirmed that a group of 50 to 60 protesters entered the property around 8:30 a.m. on March 15. Authorities allege the group trespassed and removed numerous animals from the site.
The Raid and Recovery
According to a statement from the DCSO, activists allegedly breached the facility to seize beagles destined for medical research. While the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs claimed to have removed 31 beagles, Sheriff Kalvin Barrett reported that deputies intercepted two vehicles and recovered eight of the dogs, returning them to the farm.
Investigators seized two vehicles and various “burglary tools” at the scene. As of Tuesday, more than 20 dogs remain unaccounted for, with activists claiming the animals are in “safe houses.”
“Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place,” Sheriff Barrett said. “We respect the right to express passion through peaceful protests, but we encourage concerns about animal welfare to be engaged through lawful avenues.”
A Facility Under Fire
Ridglan Farms has been a focal point of intense legal and ethical scrutiny. As one of the last large-scale breeders of research beagles in the U.S., the facility has faced years of allegations regarding inhumane conditions.
The raid comes just months after a landmark legal settlement. In October 2025, the La Crosse County District Attorney and Ridglan Farms reached an agreement following a probe by a court-appointed special prosecutor. The terms of the deal require Ridglan to:
- Relinquish its breeding license by July 1, 2026.
- Cease selling dogs for biomedical research.
- Avoid felony animal cruelty charges in exchange for the scheduled shutdown.
Activists argue the July 2026 deadline allows for the continued “suffering and sale” of thousands of dogs currently housed at the facility.
Paul’s History of Civil Disobedience
This is not Paul’s first encounter with law enforcement over animal rights. In September 2021, she was charged with misdemeanor theft after removing two chickens from a Foster Farms transport truck in California.
During that high-profile trial in March 2023, Paul argued her actions were a legal necessity to provide medical care to the birds. A Merced County jury ultimately found her not guilty, a verdict hailed by activists as a major victory for the “Right to Rescue” movement.
Paul, a vegan since 47, has long been vocal about her stance. “I consider myself a proxy for those who cannot be in court,” she stated during her previous trial. Her representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the Wisconsin incident.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Dane County District Attorney is currently reviewing charges against the 20 arrested individuals, which include counts of trespassing and potentially burglary. Meanwhile, the Nonhuman Rights Project continues to pursue a separate lawsuit filed in February 2026, seeking immediate emergency relief for the remaining 2,000 beagles at the facility.
