There are dogs whose whole life starts inside a building most people never see. Ridglan Farms, in Wisconsin, in the northern United States, bred beagles for research laboratories. Beagles are often used in lab testing because they are small, gentle and easy to handle. After years of pressure, animal cruelty allegations and a legal settlement, that part of the business is ending. Ridglan has agreed to give up the state licence that allowed it to breed and sell dogs for research by July 1. About 1,500 beagles have already been moved out by rescue groups for vet care, foster homes and adoption. For many of them, this is the first time they are touching grass, sleeping in homes, and learning what life is like as normal pets.