Executive committee postpones resolution calling on DATCP to revoke Ridgeland Farms license after extensive public comment

The Dane County Executive Committee voted to postpone resolution 25 res 1 19 — which calls on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to revoke Ridgeland Farms’ commercial dog breeder license and place dogs in custodial care during an ongoing investigation — until the committee’s Oct. 23 meeting.

Supervisors David Rit and Rose (sponsors) told the committee they requested the postponement to allow time to refine the resolution and consider possible amendments. Chair Miles made the motion to postpone; the motion carried on a voice vote recorded in the meeting transcript as “the motion carries.” The committee did not record a roll‑call vote in the public transcript.

The item drew substantial public interest: county staff reported 61 registrants in support (15 of whom wished to speak) and 31 registrants in opposition (initially two wishing to speak; staff said in‑person additions increased that number). Dozens of people provided testimony both for and against the resolution.

Supporters described regulatory findings and video evidence they said show animal welfare problems at Ridgeland Farms. Amy Van Aertsen, identified as a Dane County resident and university employee, said the group delivering the petition had “nearly 8,000 signatures of your constituents and others across the country” and urged the board to move “with urgency to take action.” She said recent records released by DATCP showed additional violations.

Dawn Eberhardt, a Middleton resident and registered pharmacist who identified herself as an adopter of a dog rescued from laboratory research, described the dog she adopted and urged action: “She was skin and bones when we got her… She is exactly the type of dog that resides at Ridgeland Farms, and that's why we're here to give a name and a face to a dog that is there right now, suffering.” Jennifer Jones, a registered veterinary technician who attended an evidentiary hearing, called the video evidence “harrowing.” Stefan Seitz, an attorney who said he represents Dane for Dogs during the special prosecutor proceeding and is affiliated with the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, offered to serve as a legal resource to the board.

Opponents, including attorney Eric McLeod, argued the county should respect due process and leave regulatory enforcement to state and federal agencies. McLeod said Ridgeland Farms “is a research institution… subject to extensive government regulations,” and warned that the proposed action would be a “denial of due process” if the county sought to declare the license revoked outside the state regulatory process.

Committee members noted ongoing legal and regulatory processes: the Dane County district attorney had not filed charges and a special prosecutor from La Crosse is handling court matters, and DATCP investigations and potential hearings were referenced by staff and speakers. Corporation Counsel was consulted during drafting, and staff said the resolution is nonbinding and advisory.

Chair Miles and sponsor supervisors said they want to ensure the safety and care of animals while the investigation proceeds, and they requested more time to refine the resolution language and review pending state agency actions. The committee set Oct. 23 as the next date to consider the item.