Former Baywatch actor Alexandra Paul has been taken into custody following an alleged incident at a Wisconsin farm where activists attempted to remove animals.
Paul was arrested on March 15 after a group of roughly 50 to 60 protesters reportedly arrived at Ridglan Farms in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Police allege that Paul and other activists entered the property and began taking dogs from the facility. Ridglan Farms is one of two dog breeders in the US known for conducting scientific research involving dogs.
Paul has been involved in animal rights activism for years and has previously faced arrests connected to protest actions.
This time, she was arrested along with 19 others. Authorities also said they confiscated two vehicles and items described as burglary tools from the scene.
Officers noted that those involved were described as being ‘cooperative and respectful’.
In a press release, officials said Dane County Sheriff’s deputies and officers from nearby Wisconsin agencies had ‘responded to Ridglan Farms in the town of Blue Mounds when 50-60 protestors entered the property without permission.’
The release further stated that they ‘broke into the facility and began removing numerous dogs from the property’.
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said: “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: “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 said an animal welfare investigation took place at Ridglan Farms.
Following that inquiry, the facility is required to surrender its breeding licence issued by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATC) by July 1, according to the release.
Paul, best known for playing Lt. Stephanie Holden on Baywatch, has been arrested multiple times in recent years during animal rights demonstrations.
In 2017, she was arrested after joining a sit-in protest at a slaughterhouse in Oakland, California.
She was arrested again in 2018 after taking part in a civil disobedience action at Sunrise Chicken Farm, and in 2019 following a peaceful protest at Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma, California.
In 2020, she was also arrested after going to Farmer John Slaughterhouse in Vernon, California, where a group attempted to rescue a pig.
Representatives for Alexandra Paul have been contacted for comment.