Former Baywatch television star Alexandra Paul has been arrested following an animal rights protest where activists allegedly freed multiple beagles from a facility that breeds dogs for biomedical research. The 62-year-old actress, best known for her role as Lt. Stephanie Holden on the iconic 1990s series, was taken into custody alongside approximately twenty other protesters in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
Second Arrest for Animal Rights Activism
This marks the second time Paul has faced legal consequences for her animal advocacy efforts. In 2021, she was arrested for misdemeanor theft after rescuing chickens from a transport vehicle, though she was later found not guilty of those charges. The recent incident occurred on March 15 when a group of up to sixty protesters allegedly trespassed onto Ridglan Farms property.
Sheriff's Office Statement on the Incident
The Dane County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrests in an official statement, noting that "some activists broke into the facility and began removing numerous dogs." Sheriff Kalvin Barrett acknowledged the emotional nature of the situation, stating: "We understand how deeply people feel for the beagles at Ridglan Farms, and we respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests."
Barrett emphasized that law enforcement's role is "to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place," while encouraging concerned citizens to pursue "lawful and constructive avenues" for addressing animal welfare issues.
Research Facility Background and Recent Agreement
Ridglan Farms is one of only two facilities in the United States that specifically breeds beagles for biomedical research purposes, according to their website. The company states it maintains "the highest standards of health and quality" and holds AAALAC International accreditation for animal care and welfare.
In a significant development from October 2025, the La Crosse County District Attorney and Ridglan Farms reached an agreement to cease selling purpose-bred dogs for research by July 2026. This agreement came after sustained pressure from animal rights organizations and activists.
Alexandra Paul's Career and Activism
Beyond her five-year stint on Baywatch alongside co-stars Pamela Anderson and Nicole Eggert, Paul has built an extensive acting career with over one hundred credits on her IMDB profile. Her filmography includes notable roles in movies like Christine and Dragnet, along with more recent appearances in Baby Steps, Another Coffeehouse Chronicles Movie, and Tethered.
Paul has increasingly focused her public platform on animal rights advocacy in recent years, frequently participating in protests and speaking out against practices she considers inhumane. Her arrest highlights the ongoing tension between animal research facilities and activists who believe alternative methods should replace animal testing in biomedical research.
The incident raises questions about the boundaries of lawful protest and the ethical considerations surrounding animal research, particularly as public sentiment increasingly questions the use of dogs in laboratory settings. Both sides continue to advocate for their positions, with activists pushing for immediate change and research facilities emphasizing their compliance with existing regulations and accreditation standards.
