Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin is closing after animal-welfare protests, with 475 remaining beagles to be transferred to Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s Florida and Alabama campuses for neutering and adoption. The rescue had previously purchased roughly 1,500 of the farm’s more than 2,000 beagles in April, and transfers are expected to continue through August as Ridglan exits dog breeding, sales, and research/testing operations.
Florida AG Pam Bondi accelerated federal animal-welfare enforcement as part of a swift crackdown after a Texas breeder faced state cruelty charges, coordinating a multi-agency operation that led to a dog breeder’s indictment for misdemeanor license issues and a felony wire fraud claim, with rescue dogs sent to Big Dog Ranch Rescue and public celebrations of the outcome. The episode, and Bondi’s broader strategy—often involving Simmons of Big Dog Ranch Rescue—has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and the reliance on criminal enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act, which experts say is typically civil and may have been developed with less input from traditional animal-welfare groups. The piece also notes internal Florida allegations involving a rescue board member and argues the federal framework, staffing, and regulatory tools for animal welfare remain uneven, raising questions about the scope and transparency of this aggressive approach.
Katherine Heigl attended a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, drawing online backlash over the venue and perceived political alignment; she defended her appearance, highlighted the animal-welfare goal, and noted the event raised more than $5 million for the charity.
Katherine Heigl attended the Wine, Women & Shoes charity event at Mar-a-Lago to benefit Big Dog Ranch Rescue, issuing a statement that emphasizes animal advocacy and noting the event raised more than $5 million; she highlighted her and her mother's long-running efforts through the Jason Heigl Foundation and reiterated calls to reduce unwanted litters and puppy mills.
Katherine Heigl attended a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, defending the appearance as an animal-welfare effort and highlighting her own related charity; the event drew other celebrities and political figures, including Lara Trump as a charity director, and was reportedly sizable, with about $5 million raised, while BuzzFeed sought comment from her team.
Katherine Heigl stepped out for a rare red-carpet appearance at the Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, helping raise about $5.5 million for Big Dog Ranch Rescue; the outing also marks her continued advocacy for animals and her return to the spotlight alongside Grey’s Anatomy costars since their 2024 reunion.
Katherine Heigl attended a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, marking a rare public appearance since the Emmys; she has moved to Utah, runs a dog-food company and a nonprofit supporting dogs from kill shelters, and was photographed with Trump allies Jeanine Pirro and Lara Trump at the event, highlighting a celebrity‑philanthropy moment within conservative circles.
Celebrities and TV figures gathered for Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s three‑day fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, helping raise about $5.5 million for rescue dogs; attendees included Katherine Heigl, Lara Trump, Lauree Simmons, and Cesar Millan, with events highlighting the charity’s work and a new Patriot Pet Lodge opening.
Katherine Heigl returned to the spotlight after two years to attend the Wine, Women & Shoes charity event at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, supporting Big Dog Ranch Rescue and advocating against puppy mills; she was joined by her mother Nancy Heigl and dog trainer Cesar Millan, with attendees including Lara Trump and Jeanine Pirro, marking her first public appearance since a 2024 Grey’s Anatomy cast reunion at the Emmys.