The Veterinary Examining Board of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on Tuesday voted unanimously to suspend the license of Richard Van Domelen, lead veterinarian at Blue Mounds beagle experimentation breeder Ridglan Farms.
The VEB previously found that, for years, Van Domelen had delegated surgeries to employees who did not hold veterinary licenses. Employees have stated that there was little anesthetic, pain relief, bleeding control or after-care administered, and multiple employees stated that no anesthetic or pain relief was administered at all.
A special prosecutor continues to investigate Ridglan for criminal animal cruelty, and, last week, DATCP referred 311 additional violations to the District Attorney’s office after the breeder refused to accept a civil forfeiture and pay a $55,000 fine.
Members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors have introduced a resolution urging DATCP to revoke Ridglan Farms’ license to operate and to place its dogs into protective custody while investigations continue.
