A former actress from the hit ’90s show Baywatch has been arrested in connection with an animal rights-related stunt.
Keep reading to learn more.
Alexandra Paul, along with about 50 to 60 others, was protesting in Dane County, Wisconsin, at Ridglan Farms. According to officials, Paul and other activists were attempting to remove dogs from the property.
The facility is one of only two dog breeders in the U.S. that also conduct scientific research on dogs. Paul, who has a long history of animal rights activism, has been arrested in similar situations before.
In this incident, Paul and 19 others were arrested at the scene. Two vehicles and burglary equipment were also seized. Officers said those arrested were “cooperative and respectful.” A press release added that Dane County Sheriff’s deputies, along with officers from nearby Wisconsin precincts, responded to Ridglan Farms in the town of Blue Mounds after 50–60 protesters entered the property without permission.
The release stated that the protesters had “broken into the facility and began removing numerous dogs from the property.”
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett acknowledged the protesters’ concerns, saying, “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.”
“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,” he added.
He continued, “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.”
The press release also confirmed that an animal welfare investigation had been conducted at the site. Following the investigation, the farm was ordered to surrender its breeding license issued by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATC) by July 1.
Paul, who played Lt. Stephanie Holden on Baywatch, has frequently made headlines for similar activism. In 2017, she was arrested during a sit-in protest at a slaughterhouse in Oakland, California.
In 2018, she was arrested again for participating in a civil disobedience action at Sunrise Chicken Farm. She was also arrested in 2019 while protesting at Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma, California.
In 2020, she was arrested after attempting to rescue a pig from the Farmer John Slaughterhouse in Vernon, California.
