After more than 1,500 beagles were rescued from a Wisconsin breeding and testing facility last week, organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society are preparing for what happens next.

Hundreds of dogs were first moved from Ridglan Farms last Friday after the company reached a deal with animal rights organizations to sell the majority of its 2,000 beagles following years of alleged animal mistreatment.

Of the 1,500 beagles that were rescued, 150 dogs will be heading to facilities within the Wisconsin Humane Society, including locations in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Wisconsin Humane Society spokesperson Angela Speed said some of the beagles could be available for adoption by the end of next week if they pass medical and behavioral testing.

Speed reminded potential adopters and fosters that these dogs have not had a normal start to their lives, meaning more attention and patience will likely be needed to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.

The Wisconsin Humane Society welcomed a similar number of animals in 2022, when more than 4,000 beagles were rescued from a Virginia-based breeding and testing facility. Speed said that if people cannot adopt or foster one of the incoming beagles, they can donate food, soft treats, toys or money to the Wisconsin Humane Society to support placement efforts.