**Actress Alexandra Paul Arrested During Protest for Beagle Rescue**
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Actress Alexandra Paul, known for her role in the popular series “Baywatch,” was arrested on Sunday, 15 March, in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, during a protest aimed at freeing beagles from a breeding facility. The incident unfolded at Ridglan Farms, which has been a focal point of controversy due to its involvement in supplying dogs for scientific research.
According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), around 50 to 60 protesters, including Paul, allegedly trespassed on the property at approximately 8:30 a.m. Police statements confirmed that around 20 individuals, including Paul, were taken into custody. As of the latest reports, she remains in police custody.
Ridglan Farms is notable for being one of only two large dog breeders in the United States that allows the breeding of animals for experimentation purposes. However, in a recent agreement with the La Crosse County District Attorney, the facility has announced it will cease operations under its Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) license, effective no later than 1 July 2026.
During the protest, DCSO indicated that some activists forcibly entered the breeding facility and started removing multiple dogs. Although authorities managed to recover some of the beagles taken during the incident, a number of them remain unaccounted for. Additionally, the police seized two vehicles, along with burglary tools and other evidence related to the unlawful entry.
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett commented on the matter, acknowledging the strong feelings surrounding the welfare of the beagles at Ridglan Farms. He expressed understanding for individuals’ rights to protest but emphasised the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure public safety and to address unlawful acts. Barrett encouraged those concerned about animal welfare to engage in peaceful protests and discussions through legal means.
This arrest comes three years after Paul faced misdemeanor theft charges in September 2021 for allegedly taking two chickens from a transport truck owned by Foster Farms. After a trial, Paul was found not guilty in March 2023. Her previous activism for animal rights is well-documented; she has publicly identified as a vegetarian since the age of 14 and transitioned to veganism at 47, further advocating for animal welfare by prohibiting certain materials in her acting contracts.
Paul has long championed animal rights, revealing in a 2011 interview with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that she ceased wearing animal-derived materials such as leather, wool, silk, and fur in her mid-twenties. Throughout her career, Paul has consistently used her platform to promote animal rights, which may explain her involvement in the recent protest.
As the investigation into the trespassing incident continues, authorities are expected to assess the full extent of the situation and the remaining whereabouts of the unaccounted beagles. The events at Ridglan Farms have sparked renewed discussions about animal welfare and the ethics of using animals for scientific research.
People have reached out to representatives of Paul for a comment regarding her recent arrest and the ongoing circumstances. The incident has captured the attention of both animal rights activists and the general public, as calls for heightened scrutiny of such breeding facilities grow.
The DCSO has reiterated its commitment to maintaining order and safety during protests while respecting the rights of individuals to voice their concerns. As sentiments surrounding animal rights continue to evolve, the actions taken at Ridglan Farms are likely to resonate in ongoing debates about the treatment of animals within various industries.