Prosecutors Seek to Drop Two Charges in Ridglan Case
Motions filed in online court records would dismiss theft-related counts against four of the 51 people charged in the March Ridglan Farms break-in.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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Prosecutors have moved to dismiss theft and attempted theft charges against Wayne Hsiung, Aditya Aswani, Michelle Lunsky and Dean Wyrzykowski. The four were charged after a March 15 break-in at the Town of Blue Mounds breeding and research facility.
Why it matters
If the motions are granted, the four defendants would still face felony burglary and criminal damage to property charges. The case is part of a larger prosecution of 51 people tied to the March incident, which involved 22 beagles reportedly taken from Ridglan.
The figures come from online court records showing two felony counts sought for dismissal against four of 51 defendants in the March incident. The reason for the dismissal request has not been disclosed.
The players
Animal Activist Legal Defense Project
A legal advocacy organization that announced the dismissal motions and represents animal activists facing prosecution.
Wayne Hsiung
An animal rights activist among the four defendants whose theft and attempted theft charges prosecutors have moved to dismiss.
The details
Prosecutors filed motions to dismiss the theft and attempted theft counts against the four defendants. A criminal complaint states 22 beagles were taken from Ridglan during the break-in, and prosecutors have also asked the court to exclude evidence about animal conditions at the facility and actions involving former veterinarian Dr. Richard Van Domelen.
Timeline
March 15: Break-in at the Ridglan Farms facility in the Town of Blue Mounds.
September: Prosecutors asked the court to exclude certain evidence and defenses.
Monday: The Animal Activist Legal Defense Project announced the dismissal motions.
December: Other defendants are expected back in court.
January 2027: Trial scheduled for the four defendants.
Legal Context
The case centers on a March break-in at a Wisconsin breeding and research facility, and the prosecution of 51 people tied to that single incident. The narrowing of charges in this one case shapes how the broader group of defendants will be tried.
Residents in the Blue Mounds area and across Wisconsin may follow how the Ridglan prosecution affects protest-related charges. The outcome could shape how similar break-in cases involving research facilities are handled in the state.
The takeaway
The Ridglan case shows how a single incident can produce dozens of charges and then narrow as individual motions are resolved. Readers following animal research disputes should watch the December hearings and the January 2027 trial date.
What happens next
The four defendants are scheduled for trial in January 2027, and other defendants are expected back in court in December.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Veterinary Medicine reporting on animal research and welfare issues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wmtv15news.
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