Alexandra Paul is once again making headlines for her animal rights activism, this time after being arrested alongside a group of protestors during a dramatic incident at a Wisconsin breeding facility. The former “Baywatch” star, who has long been vocal about animal welfare, was taken into custody after authorities say she participated in a break-in aimed at freeing dogs from a research farm.
‘Baywatch’ Alum Alexandra Paul Among Dozens Of Protestors Who Entered Farm Without Permission
According to a press release obtained by Page Six, law enforcement was called to Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, after a large group of demonstrators entered the property.
Officials stated that Dane County Sheriff’s deputies, along with officers from nearby departments, responded when “50-60 protestors entered the property without permission.”
Authorities allege that the group, including Paul, escalated the situation by entering the facility and attempting to remove animals from the premises.
Authorities Say Activists Removed Dogs From Facility
Law enforcement claims that protestors went beyond demonstrating and began actively taking dogs from the farm. According to the release, participants allegedly “broke into the facility and began removing numerous dogs.”
Officials confirmed that two vehicles, along with burglary tools and additional evidence, were seized at the scene. While some beagles were later “recovered and returned” to Ridglan Farms, authorities noted that others “remain unaccounted for.”
Alexandra Paul Arrested Alongside Nearly 20 Others
Paul was among approximately 19 individuals arrested in connection with the incident. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, authorities noted that those involved did not resist. Officials said everyone taken into custody was “cooperative and respectful.”
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett acknowledged the emotional nature of the situation, stating, “The Dane County Sheriff’s Office understands how deeply people feel for the beagles at Ridglan Farms, and we respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests.”
He continued, “Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place. We encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare or research practices to engage through lawful and constructive avenues. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining public safety, promoting peaceful dialogue, and ensuring that all parties can exercise their rights within the bounds of the law.”
In a notable development, the press release also revealed that Ridglan Farms will be relinquishing its Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATC) breeding license. The facility is expected to surrender the license by July 1 following an animal welfare investigation.
Paul Has Been Advocating For Animals Since Her Teens
Paul’s commitment to animal welfare dates back decades. She first adopted a vegetarian lifestyle at just 14 years old before later transitioning to veganism.
Her beliefs have also extended into her professional life. Per Page Six, in a past interview, she revealed that she included clauses in her acting contracts to ensure she would not wear makeup that was “tested on animals.”
Alexandra Paul’s Long History Of Arrests Tied To Animal Rights Activism
Paul’s latest arrest is far from her first. The actress has repeatedly been detained over the years for her involvement in protests and rescue efforts tied to animal rights causes.
In 2017, she was arrested during a sit-in at a slaughterhouse in Oakland, California. The following year, she was taken into custody again after participating in a civil disobedience action at Sunrise Chicken Farm. Her activism continued in 2019 when she was arrested while protesting at Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma, California, where she ultimately spent two days in jail.
In 2020, Paul and several other activists attempted to rescue a pig from a slaughterhouse in Vernon, California, resulting in another arrest. More recently, in 2023, she faced legal action after rescuing a chicken from a Foster Farms slaughterhouse truck. She was ultimately acquitted following a nine-day trial.
Alexandra Paul Previously Spoke Out Against War And Nonviolent Activism
Beyond her work in animal rights, Alexandra Paul has also used her platform to speak out on global issues, including war and peace. Reflecting on a past protest, she shared, “On March 19, 2003, I was arrested peacefully protesting the American bombing of Iraq and spent 6 days in jail. It feels surreal that 23 years later, we are hearing the same rhetoric on why we have to go to war.”
She added, “We need to empower people in other countries through organizing, educating, and supporting to create the government they want. Call me naive, but this war in the Middle East fills me with dread. Please do not get sucked into the military rhetoric of our leaders who send our sons and daughters to fight while they sit in their fancy offices and plan killing operations. The way to true peace is peaceful.”